June 28, 2017
A measuring instruments company is mining historical production data and seeing it in all-new ways with WinSPC.
Once locked away in thousands of static Excel spreadsheets, the company’s production data can now be readily graphed and interacted with using WinSPC real-time statistical process control software.
The company measures products for quality assurance and then saves measurement data in one of two ways:
- Data is captured into an Excel spreadsheet.
- Data is entered into quality control software called Lab View.
Data entered into Excel spreadsheets is kept for record keeping and product validation. Hooking this data up to WinSPC for post-analysis and charting seemed a real challenge given the complex formatting of the collection spreadsheets.
The DataNet Services team, however, invented a special application using WinSPC’s application programming interface to unlock the heavily formatted data and get it into WinSPC. The team is now able to work with and experiment with the data using WinSPC’s visual Variable Analyzer tool.
The data entered into the Lab View software is stored in a database which can be accessed using ODBC communication protocol. To access this data for comparison and filtering on WinSPC charts, WinSPC’s “ODBC Device” feature was used to connect with the database. Quality control data is now available for working with in WinSPC’s interactive analysis tools.
By using WinSPC, and with the help of the DataNet services team, the measuring instruments company has transformed grids of data into an interactive, visual picture of past production.
About DataNet Quality Systems
DataNet Quality Systems empowers manufacturers to improve products, processes, and profitability through real-time statistical software solutions. The company’s vision is to deliver trusted and capable technology solutions that allow manufacturers to create the highest quality product for the lowest possible cost. DataNet’s flagship product, WinSPC, provides statistical decision-making at the point of production and delivers real-time, actionable information to where it is needed most. With thousands of installed facilities worldwide and distributors across the globe, DataNet is dedicated to delivering a high level of customer service and support, shop-floor expertise, and professional Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing services.