Automating Quality Management with SPC Software

The function can also go a step further, allowing users to select a stream and drill down, layer by layer, to access the granular information that’s behind the grade. From this vantage point, quality teams can understand the root cause of poor performance and determine which fixes are the easy wins, requiring minimal effort but possibly leading to significant improvements in operations. For instance, the fix might be something as simple as a tweak to some equipment settings. Other corrective measures may be more expensive, such as replacing the equipment entirely. Insight into root causes and the level of effort required for improvement can help manufacturers better plan their budgets based on return on investment and, ultimately, lead to better resource management across lines, processes, products, and the enterprise.

At its core, automation through SPC software is all about empowering quality teams, allowing them to think and act more efficiently. The key is for quality professionals to receive the information they need, when they need it. It’s about enabling direct, timely action on the plant floor, effective comparisons of process output against specifications and control limits, and strategic, data-driven decisions. Those who choose to automate their quality management and analysis can go beyond the piles of paper and the endless firefights of yesterday and truly see the meaning behind their data—and the best actions to take in response to that data—to optimize product quality and manufacturing operations.

Wise is vice president of digital food safety at InfinityQS International, Inc. Reach him at [email protected].