Existing company databases can indeed be a goldmine, since the long-term data they have can be quite revealing about sources for variability and may give a company a substantial head start in optimizing its processes. The key to this sort of database and application compatibility is the growing dominance of SQL as the standard database protocol and also the growing recognition that communication protocols such as OLE are essential to the success of automation software. A familiar look and set of procedures make orientation easier for all levels of user. One challenge is providing the right sort of information to the right users. Senior executives and machine operators will obviously be looking for very different things when they look to SPC analysis, and systems have to respond to these differing needs.
Information has to be presented in such a way as to empower the recipient to improve the process.
One area this is especially true is on the manufacturing floor itself. One of the main selling points of many automation systems is the increased knowledge and control they offer to management, but on-line SPC offers something different according to its proponents. You just have to give them the tools to do the job. Quality is all about data being available at the time work is done. Which is why in addition to the potential savings in labor, inventory, scrap and returned goods, on-line SPC vendors even tout the potential of their software to improve employee morale.