A component-based simulation environment for statistical process control systems analysis

This paper describes a simulation environment, called Prosim, which permits a user to define components, subsystems, and their interconnections to analyse a statistical process control (SPC) system. The components and systems are defined and analysed interactively. A library of standard SPC objects containing models for the Xbar, range, exponential weighted moving average, p-chart and other SPC techniques have been created which help define the control application. The PC-based tool is tested on theoretical, and real data, and is useful for the design and trouble shooting of a manufacturing system. It is also an effective teaching and research tool. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.