Course Description
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a method that uses control charts as a principal tool in the process of continual improvement. Control charts provide a scientific basis as to the presence or absence of special causes of variation. This two-day course balances theory and practice. It is based on the SPC 2nd Edition manual, but one of the things that make our course unique is the opening chapter called Setting the Stage. This chapter uses the words of Shewhart, Deming, Juran, and others to give participants a perspective that comes directly from the masters.
Our approach teaches SPC in the context of solving three classes of statistically based problems: (1) problems of instability, (2) problems of too much variation, and (3) problems of being off target. Each of these three classes of problems will have their own set of causes. If taken in order, this structured analytical approach leads to effective problem solving. In those cases where none of these three problems exist, SPC simply provides a preventive method of process monitoring.
This course presents commonly used control charts for variables and attributes data, as well as other less common methods for process control. By the end of the course participants will be able to select the correct chart for a given application, plot the data, calculate control limits, and assess stability. They will be able to determine when to look for special cause, and when not to bother looking.
Course Outline
- Setting the Stage
- Continual Improvement and SPC
- Shewhart Control Charts
- Other Types of Control Charts
- Understanding Process Capability
Key Course Objectives
- Discuss implementation and management issues associated with SPC.
- Select and use the best-suited control chart.
- Establish control chart limits.
- Detect out of control occurrences.
- Demonstrate an understanding of troubleshooting using SPC.
- Recognize how SPC helps determine process capability.
