SPC is one of the most powerful tools available to any organization or workgroup that wants to implement continuous improvement. Unfortunately, it is not widely used outside of manufacturing or companies that are committed to quality. One of the reasons is that is perceived to be difficult to learn. This wonderful book changes that by introducing statistical process controls in a clear, gentle manner.

The book is divided into modules, each of which builds upon the preceding one, and can be used as a training text or as a self-study guide. The first module covers the basics: causes of variation, tools (historgrams, control charts, variable and attribute charts).

Modules 3 and 4 go deeper into the tools, explaining why you would use them, how to use them and how to interpret them. This is the heart of the book.

Machine and process capability, the subject of module 5, can be applied beyond the shop floor. For example, I work as an information technology consultant and was able to apply the knowledge from this module to project estimation and controls, service level measurement and quality assurance processes. This information is also applicable to other areas and will be useful to anyone who works at a company registered as ISO-9000.

Module 5 covers all of the common quality problem-solving tools ranging from brainstorming to scatter diagrams. IT consultants and practitioners will find the sections on cause and effect diagrams and Pareto analysis useful for process improvement for defect identification and removal, and other related objectives.

Elements of a TQM system covered in module 8 may have been better placed in module 1, but it is thorough and a good starting point for anyone who is new to quality.

This book finishes with a module that provides the answers and solutions to practice problems from the preceding modules, which underscores its value as a class test or self-study guide.

I recommend this book to associates who either have never heard of SPC (and there are a lot of them) or think it is beyond their ability to grasp. It is impossible to have a viable, effective program of continuous improvement without SPC. The authors have done a remarkable job of writing a book that lives up to its title by simplifying SPC. As such they have made an important contribution to quality by making this effective tool available to anyone who will take the time to read the book and apply what they learn.

SPC Simplified came along at just the right time. I needed help developing statistical analysis that I could interpret to upper management. I used this text to assist me in constructing my first run charts, variance analysis, error analysis, root cause analysis, brainstorming session and my first Process Cause and Effect Analysis. Great job. A good buy for anyone in Performance Improvement.

This is essentially the same book as "SPC Simplified: Practical Steps to Quality". The key differences are that the material is sequenced differently and the emphasis is on using SPC in service industries. Like the book upon which it's based, it's divided into modules, each of which builds upon the preceding one. The value of this approach is that this book can be used either as a training text or as a self-study guide.

Basic principles are covered in the first module, followed by modules on quality tools (module 2 covers problem solving tools, and module 3 covers quality improvement tools from the larger body of TQM tools and techniques).

The foundation of SPC is laid in module 4, which introduces variation, histograms and checklists. This material prepares you for module 5 (variables control charts) and 6 (attributes control charts). The service specific part of this book emerges in module 7 (sampling plans) and 8 (systems capability). All examples in these two modules use examples that are common to services industries, which adds realism and practicality to the material for the intended audience. Module 9 ties together the preceding modules by giving a framework for problem solving. Also included are answers to practice problems from the various modules, and an appendix of factors and formulas that make this book valuable long after it has served its purpose as a training tool.

If you're new to SPC or think it is beyond your ability to grasp this book will give you a solid foundation in the basics. After reading this book and working through the practice problems you will understand how to use the highly effective problem solving and quality improvement tools, and will be able to develop and apply common control charts to measure variation and process capability. After you've mastered the skills this book provides you may want to read "Design and Management of Service Processes" by Rohit Ramaswamy, which goes much deeper into service processes, process improvement and SPC.