Statistical process control

Abstract

The goal of statistical process control (SPC) is to detect whether a process has undergone statistical abnormality - that is, a shift from its normal statistical behavior. The use of statistical techniques to detect variations in product quality and consistency dates back to Walter Shewhart’s work at Bell Laboratories in the early 1900s. His work resulted in the development of statistical quality charts (Shewhart charts). These charts are still used for analyzing patterns in product variability. In the 1940s and 1950s, W. Edwards Deming’s work in statistical quality control (SQC) methodology evolved into a 14-point management program for quality improvement. His approach emphasized the application of statistical principles to control the production process.