SPC knowledge in Czech manufacturing enterprises

Abstract

Understanding statistics, its principles, and therefore also the correct application of statistical process control (SPC) is part of the so-called tacit knowledge. Many managers of manufacturing units think that their manufacturing staff use the SPC tools correctly, but it is often not the case. The purpose of the presented survey was to identify key categories concerning the incorrect use of SPC in manufacturing enterprises. Sixty respondents from various Czech manufacturing enterprises have been contacted where the SPC tools and methods are used. It has become apparent that the manufacturing sector does not find the correct application of SPC to be a preventive tool for avoiding problems. The incorrect application of SPC methods and techniques results in an increase in costs, i.e., reduction of the ability to compete on the global market. Benefits related to the correct application of SPC are achieved very rarely in practice of Czech manufacturing enterprises. © Common Ground Publishing, Martin Kovářík, Jana Matošková All Rights Reserved.