Next Generation SPC & Quality Analytics

Statistical Process Control: A History

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a data-driven methodology that uses statistical tools to monitor and control manufacturing processes.

Back to Basics: Statistical Process Control

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Unlike traditional inspection, which detects defects after production, the modern approach to minimize defects is data driven and proactive monitoring and control of the manufacturing process itself. Enter statistical process control (SPC).

Why Manufacturing Data Collection Matters More Than Ever

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Manufacturing decisions are only as good as the data behind them.

What is Overall Equipment Effectiveness?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Overall Equipment Effectiveness is arguably the #1 key performance indicator on manufacturing floors.

Do You Really Need That New Machine? How Minitab Can Help You Find Out

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In manufacturing, it’s tempting to assume that more machines mean more parts and higher throughput.

SPC and the “Modern” Approach to Manufacturing

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Statistical Process Control helps manufacturers move beyond defect detection by using real-time data to monitor variation, prevent quality issues and improve process performance before waste occurs.

How Manufacturers Reduce Trial and Error with Designed Experiments

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Manufacturing teams often adjust process settings through trial and error. Engineers change one factor, observe the result, and repeat the process until performance improves.

How Quality Teams Use Statistical Studies to Support Regulatory and Audit Work

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Quality professionals regularly prepare documentation for regulators, customers, and internal auditors.

The hidden cost of chasing every defect

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Quality teams feel constant pressure to act when something goes wrong. But reacting to every defect can create its own problems.

Built to Waste? How Outdated Manufacturing Practices Are Costing Us More Than Money

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Twenty percent of every dollar spent in manufacturing is wasted, adding up to $8 trillion annually and contributing to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Real-Time Results: How Minitab Helped a Global Distillery Save $864K a Year

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

When I first spoke with this customer, a global manufacturer producing everything from everyday mixers to top-shelf spirits, they had a clear goal: tighten their filling process to eliminate MAV (Maximum Allowable Variation) violations and reduce overfill waste, without compromising quality.

I Was Drowning in Spreadsheets, Then I Found Prolink

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The following is a fictional story based on real challenges and use cases from quality professionals in manufacturing. While the author is not a real person, his experience reflects what many engineers face—and how Prolink helps solve it.

Why Capability Indices Matter More Than Most Teams Realize

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Capability indices, which include Cp, Cpk, Pp and Ppk, are among the most informative numbers in a quality professional’s toolkit.

Making Control Charts a Tool for Learning, Not Just Compliance

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Managers in regulated industries often rely on control charts to confirm that processes are under control. That expectation is built into most quality systems, but when engineers use those charts only to document compliance, they lose a chance to study how the process behaves.

Putting Analytics in Everyone’s Hands: Quality for Non-Statisticians

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

With clear data tools, operators can leverage insights to improve daily operations and enhance stability.

Design of Experiments: A People-Driven Approach to Process Improvement

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Quality engineers and development teams need to identify root causes and improve efficiency. Design of Experiments (DOE) enables them to test multiple factors at once, allowing for quicker identification of optimal process settings.

You Don’t Need More Data. You Need to See It Better

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Spreadsheets can hinder data interpretation. Visual tools can enhance data presentation and help managers assess if team members understand common issues, can track performance trends, and have tools for productive discussions.

5 Ways to Use Simulation to Navigate Tariff Challenges and Uncertainty

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Global manufacturers are under pressure to respond quickly, but traditional forecasting tools often fall short when conditions are complex and change rapidly. Simulation offers a powerful alternative.

7 Ways to Improve Quality in Chemical Manufacturing

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Chemical manufacturers face numerous improvement opportunities, but several general categories apply across the industry. The seven challenges outlined are key quality issues that organizations encounter, regardless of their current quality status.

Eliminate Pencil and Paper in Manufacturing Plants with Prolink Software by Minitab

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

For years, manufacturing plants have relied on manual data collection with paper and pencil. This method is prone to human error, inefficiencies, and lost productivity.

Making Capability Studies Work for You

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Capability studies are routine in quality work, used to verify processes and identify improvements. Knowing when and how to use them is key.

From Detection to Prevention: How to Manage Quality During Tariff Disruptions

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Tariffs can increase the costs of imports, prompting manufacturers to adjust their supply chains. Even small differences can significantly impact a product's performance. Several data-driven methods can help.

The Hidden Cost of Quality Problems — and How to Expose It with Analytics

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A defect on the production floor may seem minor, but its true cost is often hidden across operations. Manufacturers should quantify the financial impact of quality failures by assigning costs to events.

How Quality Engineers Use Data to Address Root Causes in Manufacturing, Part 2

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Last month, we covered how quality engineers use control charts, capability analysis, and Pareto charts. In Part 2, we'll explore how they link these patterns to their underlying causes.

How Quality Engineers Use Data to Address Root Causes in Manufacturing, Part 1

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Quality engineers help manufacturing teams identify and resolve production issues through data analysis. They use statistical tools to uncover root causes and apply principles from methodologies like Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

Unboxing the Top 3 Packaging Challenges in Real-Time

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Many factors influence what happens between the time you hit “checkout” and when your package arrives. Let’s explore these challenges and how Minitab provides effective solutions.

Top 3 Root Cause Analysis Tools to Boost Customer Satisfaction

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

If you're not meeting your NPS goals, try Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to identify and address the reasons behind it. Fixing recurring issues can significantly improve customer satisfaction.

Statistical Tools Power Manufacturing's Climate Response

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Quality professionals are using statistical tools, originally meant for product quality control, to tackle climate change. For example, control charts that monitor manufacturing variations are now tracking energy consumption, identifying spikes, and measuring carbon emissions.

Practical Data Analysis for Production Problems

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Manufacturers can tackle production issues by accurately defining problems, using root cause analysis to identify key factors, implementing data-driven corrective actions, and continuously monitoring processes to ensure ongoing improvements and maintain a competitive edge.

Measurement System Analysis Has a Place in Sustainable Manufacturing

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Measurement System Analysis (MSA) is crucial for manufacturers to enhance efficiency and reduce waste while meeting environmental goals.