What are the most common challenges in implementing SPC in aerospace?

1 Data collection and analysis

One of the first challenges in implementing SPC in aerospace is to collect and analyze data from complex and dynamic processes that involve multiple variables, inputs, outputs, and interactions. Aerospace processes often have high variability, uncertainty, and noise, which can make it difficult to identify and control the sources of variation and detect the signals of special causes. Moreover, aerospace data may be scarce, incomplete, or inconsistent, which can limit the accuracy and validity of statistical methods. To address these challenges, aerospace organizations need to design and implement robust data collection and analysis systems that can capture, store, clean, integrate, and visualize data from different sources and levels of granularity. They also need to select and apply appropriate statistical techniques that can handle the complexity and uncertainty of aerospace data and provide meaningful and actionable insights.

2 Cultural and organizational change

Another challenge in implementing SPC in aerospace is to foster a culture and organization that supports and values the use of data and statistics for quality improvement. Aerospace organizations often have rigid hierarchies, silos, and traditions that can hinder the adoption and integration of SPC across different functions, teams, and levels. Additionally, aerospace professionals may have different backgrounds, perspectives, and expectations regarding the role and benefits of SPC, which can create resistance or confusion. To overcome these challenges, aerospace organizations need to communicate and demonstrate the vision and goals of SPC clearly and consistently to all stakeholders, and involve them in the planning and implementation of SPC initiatives. They also need to provide adequate training, coaching, and feedback to develop the skills and competencies of SPC practitioners and users, and create a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

4 Technology and innovation

A fourth challenge in implementing SPC in aerospace is to leverage the technology and innovation that enable and enhance the application of SPC in aerospace processes. Aerospace organizations are constantly developing and adopting new technologies and innovations, such as digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, or additive manufacturing, that can improve the efficiency, flexibility, and quality of their processes. However, these technologies and innovations also introduce new sources of variation, complexity, and uncertainty, which can affect the performance and stability of processes, and require new or modified statistical methods and tools. To overcome these challenges, aerospace organizations need to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in technology and innovation, and evaluate their impact and implications for their SPC activities. They also need to update and adapt their SPC methods and tools to incorporate and exploit the new capabilities and opportunities offered by technology and innovation.