When jumpstarting application of real-time SPC at your facility, you will follow a step-by-step guide to get WinSPC up and running in about an hour. You will set up one central access server for all the facility’s WinSPC computers.
In this article we will explore the IT aspects of a typical on-premises implementation of WinSPC. (For those interested in WinSPC’s software-as-a-service offering, details are available at winspc.com.)
WinSPC is statistical process control software that helps manufacturers collect quality and production data from the shop floor, generate real-time charts and alarms, and drive continuous improvement through tools for analysis, summary reporting, and dashboard-style displays.
On-premises implementations range from single-site to multi-site and can employ a client-server model,
a server-side model,
or a combination of the two.
In most cases, only one database server, dedicated or shared, is required.
Client hardware can be Windows desktops, laptops, and tablets,
or, for a server-side install, any device that supports Remote Desktop Protocol.
Licensing is based on concurrent usage.
Setup of the database, once the server is production-ready, involves only the creation of a shell database. The database can be any current version of Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server, including a no-cost SQL Express version.
IT personnel do not need to create WinSPC’s database tables and relationships because these are automatically created during the client setup process.
Equally straightforward is the readying of clients. Through an intuitive configuration wizard, plant-wide client setup is commonly accomplished in less than an hour.
This includes user setup since WinSPC integrates seamlessly with Active Directory.
And tasks such as configuring data collection, assigning permissions and creating reports are easily administered by the Quality team without IT involvement.
To help IT departments, an easy-to-follow Installation and Configuration Guide containing minimum hardware specifications, recommended platforms, and step-by-step installation and configuration instructions is included with a WinSPC purchase,
along with free access to technical experts in the WinSPC customer support team.
WinSPC also has built-in tools that integrate with ERP, MES, HMI and other enterprise systems to eliminate redundant setup and to allow for sharing of data.
Once WinSPC is up and running, IT support is generally limited to backing up the WinSPC database at regular intervals
and assisting with upgrades, which, as a result of WinSPC’s one-touch upgrade process, can take as little as 15 minutes.
Archiving, traditionally an IT responsibility, can be fully managed by Quality personnel using WinSPC’s innovative archive scheduling and management features.
For more information, please call 866-4WINSPC. Thank you for reading.
About DataNet Quality Systems
DataNet Quality Systems empowers manufacturers to improve products, processes, and profitability through real-time statistical software solutions. The company’s vision is to deliver trusted and capable technology solutions that allow manufacturers to create the highest quality product for the lowest possible cost. DataNet’s flagship product, WinSPC, provides statistical decision-making at the point of production and delivers real-time, actionable information to where it is needed most. With over 2500 customers worldwide and distributors across the globe, DataNet is dedicated to delivering a high level of customer service and support, shop-floor expertise, and training in the areas of Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing services.