Content by Steve Daum
Five Costly Mistakes Applying SPCAvoid these and amplify your QA efforts
Wed, 06/21/2017 - 12:02
I have daily conversations with manufacturer plant managers, quality managers, engineers, supervisors, and plant production workers about challenges when using statistical process control (SPC). Of the mistakes I witness in the application of SPC,…
Cpk: Indispensable Index or Misleading Measure?What is capability analysis and why do it?
Thu, 12/08/2016 - 10:26
Capability analysis is a set of calculations used to assess whether a system is able to meet a set of requirements. Customers, engineers, or managers usually set the requirements, which can be specifications, goals, aims, or standards. The primary…
Preparing Quality Improvement for the FutureWhen paradigms shift
Thu, 06/09/2016 - 16:54
Quality alone will not ensure a successful future, as the classic story of the buggy-whip manufacturer demonstrates. His products were outstanding—better than any others—but when the market changed to automobiles, he found himself out of business…
Five Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Applying SPCThe good news: They’re preventable
Thu, 12/10/2015 - 15:59
In daily conversations, I field questions from plant managers, quality managers, engineers, supervisors, and plant production workers about the challenges of applying statistical process control (SPC) methods. Following are the five most prevalent…
The Predictive Power of Control ChartsUseful information is within reach
Tue, 05/12/2015 - 10:18
The ability to make predictions has always been rewarded. Statistician Donald J. Wheeler says that “prediction is the essence of business.” With growing bodies of data and good analytical models, our predictions are getting better. The statistical…
Process Superstition Is a Poor Substitute for Process AwarenessGetting the most from real-time SPC charting
Fri, 10/19/2012 - 09:38
Papering the walls with printed charts might impress visitors, but anyone who wants to get the most from SPC charting must make the right chart available in the right place at the right time. Consider the weekly or monthly quality review meeting.…
It’s Time for a New and Innovative Approach to SPCFourth-generation SPC will create an accelerating cycle of improved quality and reduced costs.
Sun, 06/14/2009 - 23:00
With several generations of statistical process control (SPC) technology under our belts, it may be time to rethink how we apply SPC in the 21st century.  Basic techniques have been practiced since the 1930s.  Some companies will soon be able to…