Practical Statistical Process Control

The tools and technique used in Statistical Process Control (SPC) have been used around the world to monitor variation in processes and identify opportunities to make real sustained improvements.

The majority of engineers and scientists have had some limited exposure to this important technique and this book has been written with the authors 30 years experience in practical statistical process control and is aimed squarely at practising engineers and scientists rather than statisticians and mathematicians.

Practical Statistical Process Control takes a graphical approach using a software tool called Minitab.

The author concentrates on each step of using the technique with explanations along the way of each decision point.

Readers will find this guide both practical and useful, with copious screenshots of the software in use and clear precise explanations.

The emphasis is on understanding process variation including the importance of gage reproducibility and repeatability. Also covered is the construction of control charts.

Key points:

* Provides tools and techniques for practical business and process improvement.

* Introduces screenshots and explanations for each step of statistical process control, control charts and using the right type.

* A worked example using Minitab example data, again explained step by step with advice from the author at each step.

This book will be extremely useful to engineers and scientists who want to solve quality, process and manufacturing problems quickly and easily.

About the Author
Colin Hardwick is the leading expert in the practical use of Statistical Process Control in the UK.

He holds a Masters Degree in Manufacturing Systems from Warwick University and a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sheffield.

He has trained people extensively in Statistical Process Control and is Managing Director of Hardwick Consultants Ltd. A qualified Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma, he has also worked for other major companies such as Chemring PLC, Rolls-Royce and GEC.

About the Author
Colin Hardwick started his career in the lighting industry and quickly moved into the Quality field before becoming a Master Black Belt in Lean six Sigma. His next move took him into Rolls-Royce working on the design and supply of nuclear reactors for Britain's submarine fleet and he rose to become Quality & Business Improvement Manager after spells as Production Manager and Design Manager.

Chemring plc then offered a chance to become Quality & Business Director in their European Division working on the design and supply of explosive products and he later became responsible for Engineering & Technology in addition to Quality & Business Improvement.

In 2013 he set up his own consultancy specialising in quality improvements - Hardwick Consultants Ltd. He has used Statistical Process Control to solve a multitude of problems in all three industries, saving millions of pounds in the process.