Checking Your SPC Software's Background

It’s important to know exactly who is providing your SPC software and what their experience is.

When considering the importance of compliant SPC software and adhering to SPC methodology and rules we thought we’d provide something actionable if you have been considering implementing or improving SPC.  To that point, it’s clear that you have to feel that your SPC software is supported by an expert, seasoned, and credible team.

Take us (SynergySPC) for example.  We have continued to work with customers in live production environments to develop SPC software that not only meets their customers’ needs but also serves as a competitive advantage. In fact, it’s how we began our journey over 30 years ago. We have a proven history and track record that our methodologies and rules are correct. Fundamental to our philosophy is that we enable our customers to build superior products, minimize the impact of production errors on consumers to benefit the society as a whole. Over time we’ve learned that buyers need to evaluate the track record of their provider.

Does Your Current SPC Have the Right Credentials?

Ever thought of checking your SPC software‘s background? Here are some thoughts:

1. Ideally, your SPC provider should have a heritage in training manufacturers on the production floor in the correct SPC methodologies and rules. They should recognize that what manufacturers need is SPC software engineered in a logical, consistent and easy-to-use manner that enables all levels of the organization (operators, managers, engineers as well as mid and upper management) to immediately view the status of production.
2. The provider should also recognize that all user levels need to understand the fundamentals of Statistical Process Control (SPC) in order to see how it could help them identify problems before they affect the production process. When detected incorrectly, these conditions could have dire consequences for the business.
3. They must recognize that different sized companies have different needs.  Does the provider offer a suite of software versions with capabilities that are flexible enough to scale to the business needs?
4. As industry needs and technology changes, the provider should consistently keep pace and, in some cases, predict what will be needed. The provider should have a track record of updating its software over time to take advantage of new technology to enable its customers to integrate new equipment, new measurement devices, and new automation tools into the production process easily.
5. The software provider needs to accommodate the ever-changing production environment. Wireless connectivity and thingification need to be addressed.
6. The technology and production environments are ever-changing.  Is the SPC provider committed to an aggressive product development schedule for each of its products?  Is the software created, tested, documented, and totally supported within the company?  It’s complete control over the product development of our products.
7. As the customer, you should check on the cost of software upgrades – if any even exist.  Under annual service agreements, upgrades should be at a minimal cost and access to all previous data in the new product, minimizing production interruptions, should be required.
8. The provider should offer a cloud solution.  In today’s world, you should have the option to choose a version of the SPC application that has a more manageable cost structure, is adaptable for the future, is EASY to implement, and safely houses your data.

Customers rely heavily on their SPC software to give them accurate information to meet their customer requirements the first time and continue to improve their processes. Therefore, when looking at or using SPC software, it is vital to evaluate the foundation of the SPC software.

If we could boast a bit, Zontec has an impressive statistical background and the right experience to develop SPC software to enable customers to meet requirements and provide appropriate documentation immediately. When evaluating SPC software, it is important to see if the SPC standard rules are performed correctly or customers are vulnerable to costly recalls, losing their customers, and jeopardizing their business.

This content is adapted from our free whitepaper “Why SPC Software Matters”.  You can request a free copy here.