Article: The Taguchi fallacy - a way to go wrong in SPC. (statistical process control)

In theory, Statistical Process Control (SPC) should be a valuable tool in the implementation of an effective and economical quality program. But in practice, after an initial promising start, many companies become disillusioned with SPC and limit its use or drop it altogether, particularly in machine tool job shops.

Skilled craftsmen with many years of experience often react to the dictates of SPC--as presented to them--as wrong-headed nonsense. Experienced craftsmen are likely to object to a notion that they ought to strive for "perfect" parts, when they believe that parts "within tolerance" are fully acceptable. They are usually (although not always) right about ...

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