Simplified Graph/Report Generation
Spreadsheet and database software can be used to generate pareto charts, bar charts, pie charts, and scatter diagrams. The choice of which software to use is often based on personal preference or company policy.
However, software for more complex analyses and presentation beyond that performed by common spreadsheet and database software packages can be difficult to find. A comprehensive list of software used for data acquisition, data presentation, statistical analysis, and other subjects related to quality assurance and quality control is provided in the annual Quality Progress Software Directory produced by the American Society for Quality Control (ASQC). The 1995 report, published in March 1995, listed over 500 software packages. There are two parts to the annual Quality Progress Software Directory:
- A two-dimensional matrix lists each software package and indicates its
applicability across 19 categories, such as calibration, data acquisition, and
management.
- An index of each of the software packages (alphabetical by company) that
includes a brief description of the software, hardware requirements, and price.
Included in the description are company telephone and fax numbers and
addresses, so the company can be contacted directly for more information.
The annual ASQC Quality Progress Software Directory can be obtained by writing to: ASQC Quality Press, P.O. Box 3005, Milwaukee, WI 53201-9488; or by telephoning 1-800-248-1946.