EAST Session: Abstract : This session explores the growing relevance of Statistical Process Control (SPC) in today’s production environments. We begin by examining the role of real-time data—referred to as the "1st life" of data—captured during the production process, emphasizing the key capabilities, expectations, and benefits of a real-time SPC system. Moving beyond its initial use, we explore the "2nd life" of data, transitioning it from a compliance and process control tool to a valuable resource for advanced analysis. This includes its role in problem-solving, root cause analysis, and predictive applications such as modeling and simulations. The session highlights how leveraging both real-time and historical data can enhance decision-making and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. Significance/Importance : Minitab surveys have found that most Statistical Process Control users, approximately 65%, have SPC in place to demonstrate their ability to meet specification limits, using SPC as a compliance tool. Our results also show that only 4% of manufacturers using SPC have achieved manufacturing excellence, meaning that they leverage process understanding and ensure predictable output. The session highlights maximizing the benefit of your real-time SPC data, growing from a compliance tool to a true continuous improvement system. We will explore leveraging SPC data to enhance decision-making and to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.
