If you read my previous two columns, you’re well educated on the top 10 mistakes that manufacturers make when implementing statistical process control (SPC). Several of these mistakes are indicative of what I call the “check-box mentality.” This mentality is typically the result of an inadequate application of today’s quality systems registrations such as ISO-9000, TS 16949, ISO/TS 16949 and the like.

In general, quality registrations provide an extremely helpful means of guiding companies in the creation and implementation of important quality systems. Regardless of their good intentions, quality certifications can sometimes inspire this check-box mentality. The list of certification items is lengthy, so once an item such as SPC is completed, it sometimes receives little sustaining support. Let me be clear: This lack of support is not the failure of the quality system certification itself. Rather, it is the failure of the company to properly support SPC. When SPC is treated as just another item on the to-do list, the result is a lack of emphasis on statistical methods, their benefits and cost savings.

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