Dates and Venues

Gain a basic understanding of the principles of statistical process control (SPC) and the methodologies for performing capability studies on our Statistical Process Control training course.

This highly practical 1-day course includes a variety of interactive activities and workshops based on real-life examples, designed to encourage open discussions without the need for detailed understanding of statistical theory. Delegates take part in activities based on subjects such as normal distribution, interpretation of charts, and process capability. Workshops cover the topics of data location and spread, sampling strategies, preparation of control charts, control chart interpretation, choosing a control chart, and calculation of capability indices.

By the end of the course delegates will understand:

  • the basic requirements of SPC
  • concepts including variability, stability and capability
  • comparison of variable and attribute data
  • process capability

With a knowledge of SPC delegates can help to maximise profit through improved product quality, greater productivity, streamlined processes, reduced wastage and reduced variation.

This course is designed for anyone required to perform capability studies and develop and interpret control charts. It is suitable for:

  • individuals involved in manufacturing, quality, inspection, design/process engineering
  • those who are required to develop and interpret control charts

Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop computer or a calculator with basic statistical function for use in the practical workshops.

Additional core tools courses include Introduction to APQP and PPAP, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA).

Benefit from discounts when booking Core Tools training. If you book any 2 Core Tools training courses together, you will receive a £100 discount.

If you would like to receive training in all 5 Core Tools – APQP & PPAP, FMEA, SPC and MSA – take a look at our Core Tools Package, offering significant savings over booking the 4 courses separately.

Topics covered on this course include:

  • the existence and measurement of variation
    • concepts
    • variation
    • data tables, histograms and run charts
    • normal distribution
    • accuracy and precision
    • measures of variation (mean, mode, median, range, standard deviation and variance)
  • understanding and managing variation
    • common and special causes
    • taking appropriate action on common and special causes
    • process improvement methodology
    • reacting to special causes
    • statistical control: what it is and the advantages of processes being in control vs tampering with the process
  • role of control charts
    • role, uses and definition of control charts
    • types of control charts
  • X-range charts
    • use of charts
    • preparation and use of control charts
    • examples
    • measures of variation (mean, mode, median, range, standard deviation and variance)
  • attributes charts
    • c, p, np and u charts (overview)
    • examples
  • capability analysis
    • process capability
    • performing a process capability study

An illustrative agenda for this training course is as follows:

  • WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
  • Module 1 Processes and Measurement Variation
  • Workshop 1 The Normal Distribution
  • Module 2 Ways of Describing Data
  • Module 3 Steps for construction of Control Charts, Variable and Attribute Charts
  • Workshop 2 Control Chart Construction
  • Workshop 3 Control Charts
  • Module 4 Analysis and Interpretation of Charts
  • Module 5 Attribute Charts
  • LUNCH
  • Workshop 4 Selecting an Appropriate Control Chart
  • Workshop 5 Attribute Control Charts
  • Module 6 Process Capability
  • Workshop 6 Calculation of Capability Indices
  • Workshop 7 Control Chart Interpretation
  • Review & Evaluation
  • CLOSE

The exact order of events may be adjusted to best suit the chosen delivery method.

By the end of this SPC training course, delegates will be able to:

  • generate, utilise and interpret a variety of control charts (Xbar/R, S and attribute)
  • perform a capability study and determine process capability indices (Cp, Cpk, Pp and Ppk)
  • interpret the results in the context of the process variation and product acceptance criteria

Delegates will also receive a certificate of completion, which recognises their new knowledge of statistical process control.

Statistical Process Control Introduction & Practical Application Certificate