The third system, Analytical, is an SPC analysis package designed to look at data in a more rigorous manner. It features its own macro language for automatic report generation. Any given operator or machine capability can be tracked, and the program can sort measurement data in a variety of ways. Some other systems give you variable data only. These three systems, and many other systems available today, can be integrated through personal computers.
Smaller shops can get a good start with a small investment.
For example, one Real Time gaging station and one Analytical system can get a shop going. A large installation might have 20 gaging stations, five or six Network Managers, and at least one analysis package. It is important, though, to make sure you work with one integrated database. These systems are compatible with several of the most popular ones.