Week of January 8, 1999 New Products VisualSPC VisualSPC version 4.0 from CimWorks (Kirkland, Wash.; www.cimworks.com) is a 32-bit version of a Windows-based statistical process control software suite. It enables manufacturers to collect and report statistical process control information in real time, while supporting larger amounts of data with its newly-added database interface options. The latest version is also Y2K-compliant. Users may choose between the standard Microsoft Access database, an Oracle database, or a Microsoft SQL Server database. In response to the needs of multi-spindle operations and mold operations with multiple cavities, it is now possible to record and analyze trace information from each piece of a subgroup, so that the performance of an individual spindle or cavity can be evaluated individually. For detecting subtle trends such as tool wear, users can now use an exponentially weighted moving average control chart, which tends to be more sensitive to shifts in process average. VisualSPC 4.0 uses Wizards for part setup and a Designer that allows users to completely customize data collection screens. Built-in alarm editors enable users to create unique alarm schemes and the Report generator contains several standard reports as well as the ability to create customized printouts. Combined, these features let users setup the screen with just the information, entry grids, photos, etc., that are required. The Manufacturing Report © Copyright 1997, 1998, 1999 by Lionheart Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. E-mail Editorial Dept: tmr-editorial@lionhrtpub.com Lionheart Publishing, Inc. 2555 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 299, Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone: 770-431-0867 | Fax: 770-432-6969 E-mail: lpi@lionhrtpub.com Web Design by Premier Web Designs E-mail: lionwebmaster@preweb.com