There are a number of software programs designed to aid in statistical process control

Statistical process control

Statistical process control is the application of statistical methods to the monitoring and control of a process to ensure that it operates at its full potential to produce conforming product. Under SPC, a process behaves predictably to produce as much conforming product as possible with the least...

 (SPC).

Typically the software program undertakes two functions: data collection and data analysis.

Data collection

The software replaces the traditional log book used by manufacturing technicians to record data from various controls along a process. For example, a technician may want to ensure temperature levels are within certain parameters, and will therefore check a temperature gauge and record the value in a log book. Process data is usually collected at regularly timed intervals, such as once every 30 minutes. The software program will store the collected data in either an internal database, or write to an external file that can be then used with other programs (e.g. a comma separated file, or Microsoft Access Database).

Spc Software can also capture data from practically any digital instruments. I.e. Digital Micrometer, Dial, Caliper, Height Gauge, Depth Gauge, DRO - Digital Read Out, etc. This helps to reduce data collection time & effort and same will be utilized to troubleshoot the error. Software also stores data in any RDBMS - Relational Database Management System, it helps to retrieve historical data easily. Apart from mere storing data, Spc Software can control whole multi gauging, it uses the on-line statistics generated for this.

Data analysis

Once the data is collected it can be analysed, and most statistical process control software programs have sophisticated analytical tools. Once such tool is the calculation of mean

Mean

In statistics, mean has two related meanings:* the arithmetic mean .* the expected value of a random variable, which is also called the population mean....

 and average

Average

In mathematics, an average, or central tendency of a data set is a measure of the "middle" value of the data set. Average is one form of central tendency. Not all central tendencies should be considered definitions of average....

 values. Charting tools are also common, starting with the creation of a basic control chart

Control chart

Control charts, also known as Shewhart charts or process-behaviour charts, in statistical process control are tools used to determine whether or not a manufacturing or business process is in a state of statistical control.- Overview :...

. Advanced charting options may include histogram

Histogram

In statistics, a histogram is a graphical representation showing a visual impression of the distribution of data. It is an estimate of the probability distribution of a continuous variable and was first introduced by Karl Pearson...

s, hat charts and bathtub curve

Bathtub curve

The bathtub curve is widely used in reliability engineering. It describes a particular form of the hazard function which comprises three parts:*The first part is a decreasing failure rate, known as early failures....

 charts.

Use of Process Control Software in Mining

Process control software has played a large role in helping mining companies quantify the amount of material running on a conveyor belt.¹ With fragmentation analysis equipment available, sieving statistics become more constant and reliable, allowing plant operators to identify problems with their process and fix them accordingly.