Automotive Industry
Statistical data analysis tools have been used in the automotive industry for many years. The ISO/TS 16949 standard, which combined several automotive industry standards (QS 9000, VDA 6.1, EAQF, and AVSQ) included requirements concerning statistical tools and the underlying systemic approach to quality control. The statistical methods which are used in this branch of industry find ample support in the STATISTICA family of programmes. We also offer ready solutions for clients operating in the automotive industry as well as custom-designed systems specially adapted to meet individual needs.

SPC (Statistical Process Control)

Statistical quality control methods are a basic analytical tool in the automotive industry. Not only do they allow the required standards to be met, they also allow productivity and competitiveness to be improved by providing a better understanding of production processes. The STATISTICA family of programmes can conduct Shewhart quality control charts (STATISTICA Quality Control Charts) for both numerical measurements (weight, temperature) and alternatives (good/bad). The statistical methods used in this programme are fully compliant with the ISO/TS 16949 standard.

MSA (Measurement System Analysis)

Another important element of an effective quality management system (as well as Six Sigma or TQM methodology) are suitable methods for verification of the quality of measurement systems. As well as analysis of repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) of measurements, the seventh version of STATISTICA includes analysis of gauge linearity according to the recommendations of the MSA manual published by the 'Big Three' (Ford, GM, Chrysler).

Analysis of process capabilities

Many car and automobile component manufacturers use STATISTICA to analyse process capabilities, which allows them to verify the degree to which a particular production process fulfils their clients' requirements. Analysis of process capabilities is based on calculation of capability indicators such as Cp or Cpk, though STATISTICA can also be used in a more advanced way, allowing the analyst to calculate capability indicators even when the data collection being analysed does not have a normal distribution. One convenient function of the programme, particularly for people involved in deploying the Six Sigma system, is its ability to calculate confidence intervals for capability coefficients in PPM values (parts per million), without the need to use methods such as Bootstrapping.

Six Sigma

The STATISTICA family of programmes is also suitable for use with the increasingly popular Six Sigma quality control strategy. The statistical methods proposed by Six Sigma are available in STATISTICA via specially designed Six Sigma Shortcuts which correspond to the DMAIC continual quality improvement cycle (define, measure, analyse, improve, control). STATISTICA is the ideal analytical tool for personnel on virtually all the tiers of the Six Sigma system, from White Belt and Green Belt to Black Belt and Master Black Belt.

Integrated IT system

Statistical analysis is only one component of a quality control system and is mainly used in production departments where effective control of production processes often requires collection of large quantities of measurement data. Many companies have realised that they can improve the efficiency of their quality control system by deploying a centralised IT system. The quality control process itself may also be ineffective and steps need to be taken to ensure that it functions properly. StatSoft has been implementing such systems for many years and therefore possesses a great deal of specialist experience in this area. We offer our clients a comprehensive range of services including design and creation of a central measurements database, design and creation of an interface for inputting data (from manual or automatic measurement equipment or PLC controllers), and creation of a custom designed analytical and reporting layer which can include functions for automatic generation of quality summaries for production processes or creation of automatically updated quality control charts for operator workstations. Above all, a centralised IT system provides a shared platform for all the elements making up a quality control system, ensuring rapid and reliable data flow, minimising the time required to carry out actions (e.g. measurement or analysis), and allowing easy management and control of the system.

Training

As well as software and data analysis systems we also offer courses and training sessions covering a wide range of statistical topics, including training related to the quality control issues described above and the wider approach of the Six Sigma strategy. Courses can be conducted in the client's premises according to an individually designed schedule.