Analyzing large amounts of data can feel like being surrounded by a dense forest. You know each tree is connected to others. But like the intertwined roots hidden underneath the forest floor, it can be hard to see all the connections.
That’s where control charts come in, giving you an easy and powerful way to visualize your data. SPC control charts enhance the understanding of your process and allow you to see where you’ve been and where you’ll be going, empowering more dynamic business and QC insights.
SPC charts have come a long way since Dr. Shewhart developed the first examples 100 years ago. Today, there are hundreds of charts available, each with its own list of pros and cons.
With all the options out there, it can seem nigh on impossible to select the right option. There is a core contingent of SPC charts, however, that can readily address most applications in the QC space. Working with these charts provides a more than solid starting point for exploring more advanced options:
How to choose between this short list of SPC charts? Consider your sample size.
In certain scenarios, you are limited to a single data point. Think about cases in which sampling is expensive, time-consuming, or even destructive. In these scenarios, the IX-MR is your go-to chart to spot variability.
In complex production scenarios, you often produce only a handful of components each hour. In this situation, access to data is limited and getting a larger sample size is time and cost-prohibitive. When your sample sizes are smaller, the X-bar and R-chart is your strongest option.
When you are able to gather scads of data from automated devices or from high-speed production lines, your sample size is likely to be much higher. When data points are readily available, using an Xbar-S chart is the answer.
Working with SPC charts is no longer the complex, manual process it once was. Automated solutions can now streamline the input of data points, the parsing of that data and even the selection of the appropriate SPC chart.
Moreover, operators don’t need to keep an eye on control charts to ensure the stability of the process. A smart solution like AlisQI notifies them of any changes.
Watch this short video to learn about our SPC toolkit and contact us for an in-depth discussion tailored to your company’s needs.