Design of Experiments Software Improves Process Efficiency, Supports Standards Compliance

Targeting the elements of design and product planning that are now required for compliance to ISO 9000:2000 and other standards, DOEpack 2000 software from PQ Systems, Inc. offers new features that provide collaborative support to compliance efforts as well as Six Sigma requirements.

This easy-to-use 32-bit Windows-based design of experiments program builds on an earlier version of the software, but makes performing and analyzing experiments easier, according to Steve Daum, PQ Systems' software development manager. "You don't need to be a black belt to use DOEpack 2000," he adds.

Features that make the software simple to use include setup wizards, online cue cards, and an intuitive user interface. A DOE machine that runs practice experiments or supports training purposes is available at no charge, as is a year of technical support through the company's toll-free hotline.

Data analysis tools include:

• regression analysis
  
• analysis of means (ANOM)
  
• analysis of variance (ANOVA)
  
• contour plots
  
• effects plots
  
• pairwise comparison
  
• screen plot
  
• residuals analysis

Customers can select from a wide variety of designs such as Latin square and full and fractional factorial; they also can do a custom design.

New features in this release include the 32-bit format and its step-by-step approach to problem-solving in experimental design studies. The charts are interactive, allowing the user to collect information about any data point by simply clicking on that point. Charts can be saved in a variety of formats, and using the program's Multichart feature, can be collected on one page as a summary of design attributes. In addition, with the COM port connection, data can be captured directly from gages.

For more information, contact PQ Systems, Inc., 10468 Miamisburg-Springboro Rd., Miamisburg, OH 45342. Tel: 800-777-3020; Fax: 937-885-2252.

Edited by Nancy Katz