Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Automation

Implementation of statistical process control (SPC) and process automation is consuming a significant portion of automotive industry investment funds. For this investment to pay off in a timely manner, process automation must be integrated with SPC to provide a higher level of quality. Different schemes for integrating SPC and automation are examined. Fundamental differences between functional and process control automation, and the balance between them, are discussed. Guidance is provided to facilitate automation of manufacturing processes.