{"id":16421,"date":"2024-10-23T10:00:14","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T09:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/?p=16421"},"modified":"2025-03-26T14:41:52","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T13:41:52","slug":"all-about-statistical-process-control-spc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/en\/knowledge-base\/all-about-statistical-process-control-spc\/","title":{"rendered":"All about Statistical Process Control (SPC)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Statistical Process Control has been used since the 1980s to monitor processes statistically. Especially within production environments, this method offers many opportunities for improvement and growth. In this blog, we take you into the world of Statistical Process Control.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is SPC?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let’s start with the meaning of this commonly used abbreviation. So, what is SPC? Statistical Process Control, abbreviated as SPC, is a method for organizations that collect and analyse data. This allows the quality to be measured and controlled, as deviations in processes are detected and monitored more quickly. As a result, product quality increases while costs decrease. Win-win! SPC is therefore often used in production environments where there is a desire to increase the efficiency of production lines and product quality. The goal of Statistical Process Control is to eliminate and control deviations in production, resulting in a consistent and high-quality process.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does SPC work exactly?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In Statistical Process Control, several steps can be followed, with four main activities distinguished: Planning, Investigating, Analysing, and Implementing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 1: Planning<\/span><\/h3>\n

The first step in the SPC process is to determine the (sub)process you want to control and improve. Also, immediately identify the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for this process, so that you know which measurable aspects to focus on throughout the SPC journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 2: Investigating<\/span><\/h3>\n

SPC helps analyse problems. Therefore, investigating the problem is step two in Statistical Process Control. Regularly collect data on the identified KPIs. Depending on the chosen process for the SPC journey, this can be done manually or automatically\/digitally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 3: Analysing<\/span><\/h3>\n

After collecting the data, it’s time for the core task within SPC: Analysing. Using statistical analyses, histograms, and control charts, it can be determined whether the process is sufficiently under control. It’s also possible to identify the cause of any deviation in the process at this stage. These causes may include errors made by operators, machine faults, or issues with the materials used.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 4: Implementing<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once the causes of the deviations have been discovered, it’s time for action. By implementing corrective measures, the deviations should be rectified, and the process should be more controllable in the future. Remember to continue monitoring and improving. SPC is a continuous process where quality and efficiency increase to a higher level after each corrective measure.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of SPC?<\/span><\/h2>\n

We’ve already mentioned it briefly, but SPC can deliver significant benefits \u2013 especially in production environments. Ultimately, with Statistical Process Control, you work towards cost savings, quality improvement, and efficiency enhancement. But there are more benefits that SPC brings.<\/span><\/p>\n