Data Collection Plan

Introduction
Data Collection Plan is used to prompt users through the data collection process, and to specify order of data collection. The method of sequencing through variables may be set to rotate each time a sample is collected, to rotate each time a subgroup is collected, or to None. In the case of None, the user must manually select the active variable in SPC Works.

For example: a project is setup in SPC Works that contains one part "widget" with two variables "width" and "height." A shop floor machinist measures both width and height each time a widget is produced. He is using a pair of digital calipers connected wirelessly to SPC Works. The user has setup the data collection plan so that each time a sample is recorded SPC Works sets a new active variable and is ready for the next measurement. When SPC Works sequences a variable all charts and images are updated. The user may view the updated schematics, images or drawings associated with the new active variable to identify the next dimension he should measure. In this manner, SPC Works sequences through all variables and aids the user in the data collection process.

Data Collection Plan may be setup from the Data Collection Plan Settings dialog.

Data Collection Plan Settings
To edit Data Collection Plan settings left-click the Project Setup icon located on the main window toolbar. This icon launches the Project Setup dialog.

The Project Setup dialog contains two windows. The left-hand-side (LHS) window contains all parts and devices within the project. The right-hand-side (RHS) window contains all variables for a selected part.

To edit Data Collection Seqeunce settings, select the Data Collection Plan icon (located in the left-hand side of the Setup dialog), then double-left click the icon. The Data Collection Plan Settings window will appear.

Sequence Type
Sequence type is used to specify when the active variable in SPC Works should be automatically rotated. Options are (1) rotate variable each subgroup, (2) rotate variable each sample, and (3) None. If rotate variable each subgroup is selected, SPC Works will set a new active variable each time a subgroup is created. Incoming data will be appended to the new active variable (unless otherwise specified by your device settings). If rotate variable each sample is selected, SPC Works will set a new active variable each time a single sample is collected. Incoming data will be appended to the new active variable (unless otherwise specified by your device settings). If None is selected, then the user must manually select an active variable from SPC Works' main window. The default is None.

Display Type
Display type is used to specify the variable displayed during sequencing. Options are (1) display previous sample, and (2) display next sample. If display previous sample is selected, SPC Works will set the active variable to that which data was most recently appended. If display next sample is selected SPC Works will set the active variable to that which data will be appended. If the user is to be prompted with a schematic or drawing of the proper dimension to measure, select display next sample. If the user must observed data points as they are collected select display previous sample.