Statistical Process Control

The business, commercial and public-sector world has changed dramatically since John Oakland wrote the first edition of Statistical Process Control – a practical guide in the mid-eighties. Then people were rediscovering statistical methods of ‘quality control’ and the book responded to an often desperate need to find out about the techniques and use them on data. Pressure over time from organizations supplying directly to the consumer, typically in the automotive and high technology sectors, forced those in charge of the supplying production and service operations to think more about preventing problems than how to find and fix them. Subsequent editions retained the ‘took kit’ approach of the first but included some of the ‘philosophy’ behind the techniques and their use. The theme which runs throughout the 7th edition is still processes - that require understanding, have variation, must be properly controlled, have a capability, and need improvement - the five sections of this new edition. SPC never has been and never will be simply a ‘took kit’ and in this book the authors provide, not only the instructional guide for the tools, but communicate the management practices which have become so vital to success in organizations throughout the world. The book is supported by the authors' extensive and latest consulting work within thousands of organisations worldwide. Fully updated to include real-life case studies, new research based on client work from an array of industries, and integration with the latest computer methods and Minitab software, the book also retains its valued textbook quality through clear learning objectives and end of chapter discussion questions. It can still serve as a textbook for both student and practicing engineers, scientists, technologists, managers and for anyone wishing to understand or implement modern statistical process control techniques.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Process Understanding 1 Quality, processes and control 2. Understanding the process 3. Process data collection and presentation Part 2 Process Variability 1. Variation: understanding and decision making 2. Variables and process variation Part 3 Process Control 1. Process control using variables 2. Other types of control charts for variables 3. Process control by attributes 4. Cumulative sum (cusum) charts Part 4 Process Capability 4. Process capability for variables and its measurement Part 5 Process Improvement 1. Process problem solving and improvement 2. Managing out-of-control processes 3. Designing the statistical process control system 4. Six-sigma process quality 5. The implementation of statistical process control Appendices

About the Author :
John Oakland is one of the world’s top 10 gurus in quality & operational excellence; Executive Chairman, Oakland Consulting; Emeritus Professor of Quality & Business Excellence at Leeds University Business School , a Fellow of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and a Member of American Society for Quality. Robert Oakland works across the globe helping complex organisations to design and implement large-scale quality and operational excellence programmes to improve quality, cost and delivery of products and services. He is a consultant at Oakland Consulting, UK.

Review :
This is the go-to book for information on process control. It keeps the customer and the voice of the customer as its central thread throughout the book. It is refreshing to see the customer frequently referenced in the chapters... Statistical Process Control, 7th Edition, provides an in-depth practical guide for statistical process control, divided into digestible chapters with learning outcomes. This is suitable for quality professionals in a variety of industries, and students who want a useful guide for robust techniques. Jigisha Solanki, Quality Assurance Lead at Volkswagen Financial Services, UK John and Robert Oakland’s 7th edition of SPC shows in an excellent way that understanding of processes still matters in 21st century. The logical structure, the combination of sound knowledge and profound application experience makes this book a must-read. The fundamental concepts are easy to read, with the right level of detail and excellent new case examples, enriched with insights from Oakland’s vast experience in consulting work. Harald Schubert, Head of Quality and Business Excellence, Bystronic Laser The 7th edition remains the go-to reference for the practical application of SPC, smartly updated to recognise the huge impact that quantum computing, interconnectivity, big data and artificial intelligence will increasingly have on organisations, and the inevitable need to transform business models, systems and processes at speed to retain competitive advantage. Vincent Desmond, CEO; Chartered Quality Institute SPC 7th Edition excellently reflects how to take into account the variation in the way that services are delivered in the current digital era, understanding where the effort needs to be focused to make improvements in our organisations. Carlos Vazquez, Head of Performance Management, Transport for London, Programme Management Office The updated edition of ‘Statistical Process Control’ continues to form part of the essential reference text for anyone looking to make sense of data used in everyday business. Through revised case studies - based upon real life & wide-ranging experiences of The Oakland Group, guidance is given on a variety of statistical approaches to help assess data in a manner that avoids unnecessary complexities, enabling broader understanding of concepts that in turn support decision making, thereby enabling good business and meaningful outcomes. Jonathan Davies, Group Quality Director, FireAngel plc An essential reference point for all of those involved with process at whatever level, the latest update helps to open your eyes to the opportunities presented from the digital transformation of the 21st century. The book neatly challenges the myth that SPC can only be applied in manufacturing with a broad range of case studies to help the reader with a practical approach; well done! Ian Mitchell, Quality & Business Improvement Director, Network Rail; Chair Board of Trustees, CQI ‘This book has always been my go-to reference for all things related to statistical process control. This latest version with its revised case studies will continue to be an essential reference for a wide range of readers teaching them how to implement statistical process control techniques for effective monitoring and management of all types of processes.’ Richard Allan, Director, Global Quality Assurance, Kimberly-Clark Corporation. 'A timely update to this important book. If ‘data science’ and ‘big data analytics’ are to provide us with reliable repeatable insights then practitioners would do well to adopt the robust, well founded methods and techniques proposed in this work.' Dr. John Beckford, Visiting Professor, Centre for Information Management, Loughborough University, Author of 'Quality' and 'The Intelligent Organisation' "An understanding of Statistical Process Control is pivotal in life science research. This can be very scary territory for non-statisticians. Fortunately, the authors are quite clear that this book is not written for professional statisticians. The seventh edition has been updated to reflect developments in the availability and use of data and it remains the most valuable resource for readers from all backgrounds." Andrew Waddell, Director, TMQA and past Chair of the Research Quality Association "Effective implementation of statistical process control contributes to market competitiveness and increased profitability for many successful organisations. For those interested in process control for quality management and process improvement, the book is informative and not intimidating. The content allows for self-instruction by those unfamiliar with statistical process control...In summary, Statistical Process Control presents approaches for those wanting to understand and apply controls to the total quality strategy of their company to enhance profitability." Jennifer Bell, holds a PhD Molecular Microbiology and an MSc in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology.