ASQ Discussion Boards

Replies: 6

Jason Burt

Posts: 5

Gainseeker or other SPC software
Posted: Jul 15, 2008 10:56 AM

I was curious if anyone has had any success with any sort of SPC software. Currently my company has a copy of Gainseeker in our hands but have not integrated it yet. We currently are using paper SPC charts to control our processes. And I am sure I don't have to tell anyone that there is a serious lack of actually fixing a problem when our parts are high or low.

I have done a little research and it looks like something that would work perfectly in our organization. But I would like someone with some first hand knowledge of this type of software and its abilities to give a little personal feedback. Both good and bad would be greatly appreciated.

Richard Ickler

Posts: 622

Re: Gainseeker or other SPC software
Posted: Jul 16, 2008 6:24 PM

> I have done a little research and it looks like
> something that would work perfectly in our
> organization. But I would like someone with some
> first hand knowledge of this type of software and its
> abilities to give a little personal feedback. Both
> good and bad would be greatly appreciated.

The good part of any SPC software is that is easy and accurate. The bad part is that the operators tend to ignore it more if they aren't doing it. It is also easy to fall into traps of assuming that the charts mean more than they do just because they are uniform, pretty and precise.

If paper charts are working for you, I would stick with that. If you feel that they aren't then go to SPC software only if the reason they aren't working is because the paper is not accurate enough or there is just too much data for paper charts.

Richard

Steven Prevette

Posts: 1,488

Re: Gainseeker or other SPC software
Posted: Jul 17, 2008 4:03 PM

I have very good success just using Excel spreadsheet. Very portable since most US government organziations are using Microsoft Office.

But, I would agree that if paper charts are working for you, why not stick with them?

- Steve Prevette

Jason Burt

Posts: 5

Re: Gainseeker or other SPC software
Posted: Jul 24, 2008 1:25 PM

The paper charts are and aren't working. They are in the sense the the data is available, readable, and simple to interperet. Unfortunately, the right people aren't seeing this information. And most importantly the right people aren't making any adjustments to the processes. We have been nailed by both internal and external auditors for not properly adjusting our processes. But it looks like we are going to stick with the paper charts for a while longer. I will look into using excel as a tool though.

Richard Ickler

Posts: 622

Re: Gainseeker or other SPC software
Posted: Jul 25, 2008 5:01 PM

> Unfortunately, the right
> people aren't seeing this information. And most
> importantly the right people aren't making any
> adjustments to the processes.

It sounds like this is the real problem. Why aren't the right people seeing the charts? Why aren't the right people the ones maintaining the charts? No amount of software will solve this type of issue.

Evan Miller

Posts: 1

Re: Gainseeker or other SPC software
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 2:05 PM

You've had some great input here. Software can make a dysfunctional environment worse, but in the right situation it can empower people with the right knowledge at the right time. I can connect you with some other people who are using GainSeeker Suite SPC software very very profitably. Let me know by contacting me at ejmiller at hertzler dot com.

Marc Schaeffers

Gainseeker or other SPC software
Posted: Sep 1, 2009 8:54 AM

There are a large number of SPC softyware packages out there. Although I am a supplier I might not be fully objective the disadvantages mentioned in the discussion are already solved by suppliers. For example if no proper actions are recorded control charts are automatically blocked for further data entry. Have a look at http://www.spc-itk.com/dsdemo/datalyzer%20presentation.htm to see what automated SPC software can do.
If you prefer data entry in Excel than even SPC programs like SPC Wizard will make analysis and reporting much easier.