SPC for short production runs

A control chart designed especially to provide statistical process control (SPC) for short production runs has been developed. This chart allows the operator to plot different part numbers on the same chart, thus considerably reducing the required amount of paperwork and time spent in looking for the right chart. In addition, since all the information concerning the process is now on the same chart, any time-related changes in the process can be more easily detected. With some of the more advanced short-run techniques, even part numbers with different characteristics can be plotted on the same chart. Multiple process streams, subgroups with different sample sizes, and flexible machining centers (with multiple characteristics per part) can all be charted together