Choosing a new SPC system is more than just picking out software.
For many companies, sending statistical process control (SPC) data to a customer is mandatory, but where does one begin when choosing an SPC system? Creating a budget for a new SPC system requires taking many things into consideration. The type of gaging in use is one factor because it influences the SPC software choices, as well as the amount of operator training that will be required to maintain the system.
Many types of measuring devices are available and many are designed for specific manufacturing processes. How these devices output measurements is key to software selection. The majority of SPC software programs can collect the output of a serial gage or a gage interface product. A gage interface will take the output from a variety of devices and standardize that output to a serial string the software can accept.