ABSTRACT
Chapter 15 examines the issues involved in the implementation of SPC, outlines the benefits to be derived from its successful introduction and provides a methodology for its implementation. It emphasizes the link between a good quality management system and SPC and provides some short case study examples of SPC implementation.
Where SPC is used properly, quality costs are lower; low usage is associated with lack of knowledge of variation and its importance, especially in senior management. Successful users of SPC have, typically, committed knowledgeable senior management, people involvement and understanding, training, clear management systems, a systematic approach to SPC introduction, and a dedicated well-informed internal champion.
A stepwise approach to SPC implementation should include the phases: review management systems, review requirements/design specification, emphasize the need for process understanding and control, plan for education and training (with follow-up), tackle one process or problem at a time, record detailed observed data, measure process capabilities and make use of data on the process. ‘Big data’, makes it essential for methods of data analytics to be combined with SPC techniques.
A good management system provides a foundation for successful application of SPC techniques. These together will bring a much better understanding of the nature and causes of process variation to deliver improved performance.
