Once the data gathering process is complete, the information is collected into a summary report. The report is then distributed to management and the data collection process begins again. Over time the data collected in the auditing process can provide invaluable insight into the effectiveness of your ESD control program by supplying the means to analyze all aspects of the program and identify problems and trends. Armed with this information managers can determine if resources are being used to their best advantage, where additional resources are required, which strategies in the past have been effective in solving shortcomings in ESD control, and if the program is progressing over time. It can also help determine who needs additional training, when training is needed, and what needs to be taught.
Graphics play a key role in analyzing the data.
Trend and Pareto charts are the primary tools in this process. By plotting deviation data for each audit over time, trend charts can highlight critical problem areas. These charts can be prepared for your entire plant or an individual department. Pareto charts on the other hand are effective tools for identifying which departments or what types of equipment are responsible for the most ESD-related problems. This allows management to allocate limited resources effectively to solve the most serious problems in an ESD program.