One of the key factors in ensuring the Successful Implementation of SPC is Timely & Accurate Data feedback. This can be achieved via software automation of manufacturing QC \ SPC data collection or data entry.
In the Malaysian Scenario , typically, data is collected manually.
The Problem Related to Manual Data Collection are:
- Labour Intensive
- Data is subjected to Human Error
- Process takes too long for prompt corrective action.
- The Data Collected is not convenient to Interpret and Analyze
- Huge Physical Space required to keep the data in paper form
Manual Data Collection
From our experience, Automating Data Collection, where data is taken directly from Measurement Equipment, will significantly improve the Effectiveness of SPC Implemention.
The Key Advantages of Automated Data Collection are:
- Instant result
- No Human Error / Data tampering
- Minimal Human Intervention
- Data Collected is easily utilized for Analysis purposes
- Paperless
With current technological advancement, most measurement equipment with data outputs (from different brand name) can be linked to the Real-time SPC Software.
Generally, These Measurement Equipment can be classified into 2 Types: Gages And ATE (Automated Test Equipment)
a. Gages – Caliper, Micrometer, weigh scale, height gage and other small tools with data output (sometime also described as SPC output). Common Brands found in Malaysia for Gages with digital output are Mitutoyo, Sylvac, Tesa etc
Automatic Data Collection With Gages
b. Automated Test Equipment (ATE) – such as CMM, X-ray thickness machine, optical gage machine etc. Brands of ATE distributed in Malaysia with such capability include Mitutoyo, Brown & Sharpe, Hexagon, TSK, Accretech, Nikon, Seiko, Micro Pioneer, Shimadzu, CMI, OGP, etc. Many equipment with RS232 serial port can also be linked to SPC Software.
Automatic Data Collection with ATEs