Creating Processes with Imported Data

Characteristics can also be created through either dynamic links or imports from external databases and spreadsheets. When dynamic links are used, the control chart can be refreshed to include new data added to the data source. This provides a relatively simple means of accessing data from a variety of electronic sources, including (but not limited to) Excel files, text files, data collectors, coordinate measuring machines, LIMS and MRP systems.

If the Characteristic name already exists in the selected Process, you will be prompted to append the imported data to the existing data.

In the example dialog box below, we’re importing the data to the existing Newfangled Widget process.

Using the Excel File option in the File / Open menu, select an appropriate Excel file, such as C:\Program Files\spcexplorer\Sample.xls. Use the OK button to proceed to the Open MS Excel File dialog box.

Select Sheet2$ from the Select an Excel Worksheet list box to define the data source,. The top portion of the data worksheet will appear in the view window at the bottom of the dialog box. Select the Treat first row as column names checkbox (so it is checked) to move the first row of column labels into the header of the worksheet in the view window. Use the OK button to view the Excel file’s data in an Explorer view spreadsheet.

From the spreadsheet, use the right mouse menu to select the Import to Characteristic option. The Import to Characteristic dialog box (shown below with correct settings) is provided to specify where to store the information from the data source.

De-select (uncheck) the Create a New Process option, then select the Newfangled Widget process from the list box.

Use the Date list box to specify that the Excel file’s Date column contains date information. Use the right arrow button to move the Excel file’s Job Number column to the Link as Traceability Field list box. Select (place a checkmark before) the Width column to link that column as a data field. When highlighted, use the Subgroup Size list box to specify the data subgroup size as 1.

Select (place a checkmark before) the Length column to link that column as a data field. When highlighted, use the Subgroup Size list box to specify the data subgroup size as 5.

Click the OK button to close the dialog box and save the changes. You will be prompted to append the Length data to (add it to the bottom of) the existing Length data in the Newfangled Widget process.

View the imported data by selecting the Show Data option when either the Width or Length characteristic is selected from the Newfangled Widget process branch, available in the Supplied Widgets, Inc. folder.