Combining SPC and EPC in a Hybrid Industry

Abstract

Integration of statistical process control (SPC) and engineering process control (EPC) is finding wide recognition and is successfully used in continuous process industries. However, application of this technique to parts or hybrid industries involving both discrete part monitoring and continuous process monitoring, offers challenges due to rate of sampling, fault detection, real time compensation, and process control. This paper explains the difference between SPC and EPC in simple terms and presents a case study that demonstrates successful integration of SPC and EPC for a product in this industry.