SPSS Ships QI Analyst Enterprise 4.0 SPC Software for Real-Time Monitoring and Control

The latest release of QI Analyst Enterprise 4.0 SPC software from SPSS Inc. (Chicago, IL) — designed to help manufacturers leverage data for process monitoring and control across the enterprise — is now shipping.

QI Analyst Enterprise uses a common database to communicate data across the organization in real time, which provides the right information to the right people for timely, accurate decision making and helps manufacturers reduce scrap and rework, minimize customer returns, and increase production yield.

Manufacturing analysts use SPC software to understand process capability and monitor process performance. According to the company, when manufacturers limit analysis to the back office, they often can miss key opportunities for process improvement. Because the new release is geared toward enterprise-wide implementation, it makes everyone, not just analysts, accountable for improving the process. The benefit? Process experts have the information they need to make changes to the process at the right time.

"Our focus is to help manufacturers leverage data for profitability improvement and QI Analyst Enterprise fills that need," said Courtney Hye, senior manager, industry marketing for SPSS. "QI Analyst Enterprise users can collect and analyze data in real time, giving process experts the timely information they need to make critical tactical decisions. Then, they can use the software to take the data that has been collected, analyze it further, and leverage the results to make strategic improvements in their process."

Here's a rundown of the features and benefits manufacturers can gain from the new release:

• improved communications in real time

• critical information is delivered immediately to the shopfloor as well as different departments, plants, or cities

• user interface enables beginners and infrequent users to start accessing valuable information in real time

• seamless integration of new SPC software into the existing IT environment. QI Analyst works with the users' current database, eliminating the need for additional software and minimizing IT setup and maintenance at each workstation.

• built-in OPC data server interfaces give users fast and reliable communication with a variety of shopfloor equipment

• simplified transition to automated SPC. The tool provides flexibility for customization because of its distributed architecture with COM components.

• product functionality can be tailored to each type of user so the software looks the way a user wants, appearing and functioning one way to the shopfloor operator, to the analyst, and to other quality team members

• efficient administration of multiple users because process data, definitions, user preferences, and security are managed from a central database

With a broad selection of SPC charts and statistical procedures, this release lets users pinpoint variations immediately to help keep the line running smoothly. Statistics automatically test data against statistical rules to detect trends, runs, patterns, and outliers. When a rule violation occurs, the software charts and identifies the point in red. Customizable alarms alert users to unnatural variations in the data for quicker problem solving. In fact, if a violation occurs, the product can call a pager or send an e-mail.

Building on the company's QI Analyst stand-alone SPC product, the new QI Analyst Enterprise contains two modular products. QI Analyst Controller is a full version of the software that offers complete functionality for setup, monitoring, and analysis in the back office. QI Analyst Workstation is typically used on the shopfloor and permits local data entry and viewing.

QI Analyst Controller and Workstation modules are currently shipping with North American list prices of $1,499 and $999, respectively. International pricing varies.

System requirements are: 586 or higher PC with Windows 95/98/NT, 32MB RAM minimum for Windows 95/98, 64MB RAM minimum for Windows NT, VGA monitor, PC connected through a network operating system, and 30MB hard disk space.

For more information, contact SPSS Inc., 233 S. Wacker Dr., 11th Fl., Chicago, IL 60606. Tel: 312-651-3000; Fax: 312-651-3668.