Statistical Process Control – CPV

Statistical process control (SPC) is essentially a combination of two different but directly linked statistical tools; (a) capability analysis, (b) control charts. Capability analysis provides information on the ability of the process to meet specification; while control charts must be used to ensure process stability and that the goal of optimum capability, is achieved at all times. SPC is used in all manufacturing industries, and SPC control chart are also used to identify trending in laboratory data. In the pharmaceutical industry SPC is often referred to as Continued Process Verification (CPV). The FDA has identified CPV as an essential third phase of process validation, providing “continual assurance that the process remains in a state of control (the validated state) during commercial manufacture” – FDA Guidance for Industry, January 2011.  This objective is achieved through the use of SPC control charts. Pharmaceutical plants worldwide are urgently gearing up to implement control charts on the production line in order to meet the goals of CPV set by the FDA. Cp/Cpk and Pp/Ppk are two sets of indices commonly used as measures of capability. There is a high degree of confusion across manufacturing industry as to the relationship between these two set of indices, and the specific circumstances in which each of the two sets should be used – they are frequently used incorrectly. Major emphasis will be placed during this course on providing delegates with a thorough understanding as to why there are differences between the two set of indices, and their appropriate usage. Statistical process control is most usually associated with measured product characteristics; the resulting data is usually known as variables data. However, SPC also has a major role as a tool for the monitoring and control of manufacturing defects (commonly known as attributes).  The control chart for attributes provides personnel with responsibility for quality of product with crucially important information, which will assist them in controlling and reducing the incidence of defects. There are four types of attribute control charts and use of these will be described during the training course.  

Delivery Mode

  • Customised
    In-Company
    Programmes

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Course Code
CPI009

What's covered?

Day 1

  • The objectives and benefits of SPC – assessing process performance, distinguishing special from common causes
  • Introduction to Statistics Underlying SPC
  • Variation in manufacturing processes and its causes; Calculation of basic statistics including standard deviation
  • The normal and standard normal distribution and use of the normal tables to calculate tail values
  • Sampling distribution of the mean
  • Process Capability Analysis
  • Conducting process capability studies – identifying characteristics, specifications, and/or tolerances
  • Distinguishing between natural process limits and specification limits, and calculating process performance metrics including percent defective and PPM
  • Calculating process capability indices Cp, Cpk, capability ratio, and assessing process capability
  • Calculating process performance indices Pp and Ppk and assessing process performance
  • Process capability analysis involving non-normal data:
  • Using Box-Cox and Johnson transformations
  • Fitting non-normal distributions such as Weibull, Smallest Extreme Value and Largest Extreme Value

 

Day 2

  • Variables Control Charts
  • Identifying and selecting characteristics for monitoring by control chart
  • Rational subgrouping
  • Construction and interpretation of the X-bar and R chart. Distinguishing between common and special causes using the rules for determining statistical control
  • Individual and moving range charts
  • The role of control charts in optimising capability – explanation of how the differences between Cp/Cpk and Pp/Ppk arise.
  • Attributes Control Charts
  • The four attributes control charts; p, np, c, and u charts and when it is appropriate to use them
  • Laney p’ and Laney u’ charts to be used when the sample size is very large
  • The advantages/disadvantages of attributes control charts versus variables control charts.
  • Interpreting the charts using the rules for determining statistical control

Who should participate?

  • Product managers and team leaders
  • Quality engineers, process engineers and technicians
  • Staff concerned with controlling and monitoring manufacturing processes

What will I learn?

Participants achieve the following learning outcomes from the programme;

  • Undertake capability analysis, including analysis of non-normal data, and understand the meaning of the indices Cp/Cpk and Pp/Ppk
  • Implement statistical process control methods in production
  • Construct and interpret control charts for variables and attributes
  • Demonstrate understanding of the important relationship between capability analysis and process stability, as observed on control charts
  • Use Minitab software for data analysis and identifying trends

Who are the tutors?

Albert Plant

With a background of thirty year’s practical experience, Albert Plant is Ireland’s leading trainer and consultant in the application of statistics.  Combining degrees in Engineering and Statistics, he brings a unique blend of a deep understanding of manufacturing technology with expertise in all aspects of statistical data analysis to his training courses.  Attendees on Albert’s training courses include people, many with PhD’s, undertaking the most advanced research and development in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, nanotechnology, and other leading-edge specialities, who require statistical skills to understand the outcome of their research work.

Many customers require that the training courses be customised, and Albert has developed a high level of expertise in meeting this requirement.  His In-House courses typically incorporate company data, and both the length and content of the courses are agreed in advance with the customer, to meet very specific needs.

Minitab is the leading brand of general-purpose statistical software. Albert has used Minitab in his training and consultancy work for more than 25 years.  He proposed to the Minitab company that they introduce a module in Acceptance Sampling, and he contributed to the early development of the module, which was launched with new versions of the software in 2006.  Albert also has expertise in other statistical software, such as Design Expert, which he uses in Design of Experiments.


Grainne Heneghan

Grainne is a highly experienced Continuous Improvement and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with over 20 years’ experience in the global IT industry.

Grainne has many years of experience of developing and delivering training and working with Quality and Lean Six Sigma methodologies, tools and techniques, with focus on improving processes, reducing waste and decreasing costs for teams and organisations. She is resourceful and adaptable and uses strong communication and interpersonal skills along with metrics, data and logic to ensure that teams achieve their goals and successfully implement change within their organisations.

Grainne has trained and coached many Yellow, Green and Black Belt students to successful certification. Along with many years training in a traditional classroom style, she spent 4 years training using an online Virtual Classroom while working at Hewlett Packard. This included virtual training in Minitab and Statistical Concepts alongside softer skills such as Brainstorming for Root Cause Analysis and How to Complete FMEAs. She likes to blend her efficient organising skills and strong attention to detail with a softer empathetic and practical approach to projects. She is open-minded with a holistic and positive approach when working with teams.

Grainne enjoys working with teams and training students to use and to get the most from tools such as Minitab, and other statistical methods and techniques.


What are the entry requirements?

Participants don’t require a prior knowledge of statistics as the course will commence with a session on basic statistics. However, having knowledge of mathematics, for example Pass Leaving Certificate level, will be helpful in understanding the statistical concepts presented on the course.

How do we train and support you?

In-House Courses
For In-House courses, the tutor will contact you in advance to discuss the course programme in more detail in order to tailor it specifically for your organisation.

Course Manual
Delegates will receive a very comprehensive course manual written by the course tutor, which explains the statistics underlying SPC and worked examples of the calculation of process capability analysis and the calculation of control chart limits. The manual will be prepared using data collected in advance from the company, and the participants will undertake exercises in the manual using their own workplace data.

What software do we use?

Minitab will be demonstrated as part of the training.  Delegates are invited to bring a laptop loaded with either Minitab 20 or 21 and they will work through several Minitab exercises throughout the two days of the course.  A free 30 day trial version of Minitab 20 and 21 are available on www.minitab.com.  The course will also be beneficial to delegates who are not in a position to bring a laptop with Minitab.

Grainne Heneghan

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Grainne Heneghan

Duration: 2 days
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