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How Synergy SPC Cloud Software Helps You Improve Quality

Executive Summary: Processes are woven into a combination of people, equipment, materials, methods, and environment to produce a given product or service. Statistical process control (SPC) is key tool for monitoring, controlling, evaluating and analyzing a process. The operating characteristics of the process determine product quality. To control and improve quality, it is first necessary to control and improve the process.

July 15, 2022 | Whitepapers | Resources, Whitepapers

How Synergy Cloud Helps You Improve Quality

Processes are woven into a combination of people, equipment, materials, methods, and environment to produce a given product or service. Statistical process control (SPC) is key tool for monitoring, controlling, evaluating and analyzing a process. The operating characteristics of the process determine product quality. To control and improve quality, it is first necessary to control and improve the process.

SPC is a mathematical way to look at a process, which takes into account the variations that are inherent to most aspects of a process. These variations are due to many chance causes, few of which can be predicted with any certainty. Using SPC charts appropriate for the type of data available, the decision-maker can confidently draw conclusions about the stability and capability of the process.

The target of an SPC program is to achieve stable, predictable process performance. To achieve this degree of control, SPC removes emotion from the decision-making process. It measures the results against realistic, meaningful measures of past performance, instead of subjective ideas of what performance should be. Statistics is used to separate components of the process that are important from those that are less important. As the process evolves, it is a good bet that the elements identified as critical will also change.

Some think of SPC as the mere charting of process performance. This is only partially true. Charting is the visible part of the SPC process. Process control tends to be "tabular" in nature.

Unfortunately, tables and spreadsheets often obscure critical
information while not inviting comprehensive analysis. SPC, on the other hand, forces the user to collect enough data points to identify process trends and anomalies. SPC charts, being more visual than a spreadsheet, present information in a way that makes drawing conclusions more intuitive. Nevertheless, SPC only works effectively when action is taken on data contained in the charts. What action is taken in response to the charts is obviously much more important than how many charts are created.

To remain competitive, organizations must implement SPC as part of a comprehensive quality initiative. To gain a competitive advantage and evolve and grow the business, organizations must choose technologically advanced tools to manage components of the quality function.

A Production Tool that Transcends the Quality Department

Better organization and management of SPC data can be achieved in the cloud to positively impact the entire business. Naturally, the common sources of improvement one would expect from in-house SPC applications like lower manufacturing costs, less raw material waste, fewer rejects, fewer returned goods/customer complaints and healthier profits are intrinsic. But cloud SPC is more capable and adaptable.

Cloud SPC better yields standardized data collection, simplifying assessment of trends and increasing operator accuracy and efficiency. Time is saved from a reduction in mass inspections.

Additionally, a collaborative framework is built-in, providing more systematic contract compliance and improved traceability. Audit trails for ISO 9000 and QS-9000 certifications are quickly accessed. Improved scheduling is achieved and organizations are able to provide more accurate delivery dates and enjoy a faster time-to-market.

Communication among production staff, engineering, and management is streamlined and clear. Paperwork is reduced and decision-making is enhanced and expedited. Your team will enjoy improved production floor morale and job satisfaction.

Features of Synergy SPC Cloud Application Service

Synergy Cloud SPC is Zontec's new software as a service (SaaS) application. It offers a true cloud SPC software experience and is the only cloud SPC solution in the marketplace. Zontec manages Synergy cloud system configuration, login assignment, complete data storage, software update, and support so you have continuous access to the most advanced technology and SPC software solutions regardless of geographic or organizational separation.

Because your organization's data is managed and secured in cloud, no additional hardware is required, no system installation is required for your users, and there is minimum corporate IT involvement and support.