Here is my wish list of the features a statistical software package should include: easy installation on a standard PC; a full gamut of SPC charts, with a toolbox of statistical analysis tools; the ability to create automatic routines for users who have little statistical experience; the ability to import data from other software packages and in real time from the shop floor; a well-written user's manual, with help that is just a mouse click away; a set of tutorial lessons with data files for training; and the ability to interface with intranet and Internet Web sites.

Now, let's see how Northwest Analytical's latest version of Quality Analyst compares.

Quality Analyst consists of several fully integrated components, including data and SQC chart management, statistical analysis, graphics presentation, a run file interpreter and an SQC chart Web server.

The Quality Analyst editor creates and manages data files. Data can be entered directly to a data file, or it can be imported. Entering and manipulating data is very easy, especially for anyone comfortable with using a mouse and navigating within programs such as Excel or Access. Data files are stored in ASCII format, which makes it easy to exchange data with other software packages in both Windows and DOS format. In addition, data and charts can be copied and pasted into other software files for quick report generation.

As part of the database setup, Quality Analyst lets users select the appropriate data type for chart creation, including options for measurement, attribute and description. The editor also allows users to set data grouping, filter data and setup formulas.

As well as importing data files or entering data at the keyboard, Quality Analyst offers dynamic data exchange, which can automatically retrieve data from equipment, such as gages that have data-acquisition capability, for real-time analysis.

Users create SPC charts from the program's editor. The gallery of available charts should more than meet the requirements of most manufacturing operations. Variable charts include X-bar, range, standard deviation, individuals, median, cumulative sum and exponentially weighted moving averages. Attribute charts include percent defective (p), number defective (np), nonconformities per unit (u) and nonconformities (c). Quality Analyst also allows users to create a short run chart for any charts listed.

On top of all that, the editor offers process capability charting and analysis, Pareto diagrams, run charts, scatter diagrams, normal probability plot, quantile plot, Weibull analysis and box plots.

In addition, users may also select from the toolbox of statistical analysis methods, which includes one-way ANOVA, Chi-square, correlation, t-statistics and regression analysis.

Once you have analyzed the data, you can customize your graphics and text with the Quality Analyst graphics viewer. The module allows users to annotate charts and combine graphics and text in a variety of layouts. The graphics and text can be sent directly to a printer or it can be copied with a mouse click to another program.

If you think that Quality Analyst is too sophisticated for your needs, don't worry. It also offers a run-file interpreter to create routines to automate procedures and simplify the program's operation. The run-file option automates repetitive tasks, creates reports automatically, builds standard control charts, establishes simple routines for novices and integrates the software with manufacturing.

Quality Analyst is also available with a Web server that will create a Web page for both Internet and intranet users. Data and charts can be linked to the Web site, and users can view data in real time.

A feature that I always look for in a software package is the quality of documentation. Quality Analyst includes a well-written user's manual as well as companion volumes for setup, tutorials and the Web server. The tutorials include a set of exercises that take the new user from creating a control chart and data sets and performing data analysis to modifying the appearance of charts and reports to creating a run file. A host of data files and charts complement the tutorial exercises. An interactive tutorial to train new users would be a nice addition.

In all, given the strong feature set, configurability and good documentation, Quality Analyst scores just about perfect on my wish list.

About the author

Gary Crawford is a senior quality assurance engineer with CAMCO Products and Services in Houston, Texas. He may be contacted at gcrawford@qualitydigest.com.

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