SPC — Statistical Process Control

In plain English

Statistical Process Control is a method of monitoring process performance using statistical techniques to detect variation

SPC is about understanding whether a process is stable or drifting.

It uses data over time to show:

normal variation

abnormal variation

and when intervention is actually needed

What they actually mean

SPC is often misunderstood as “more charts”.

In reality, it’s about not reacting to noise.
Overreacting to normal variation usually makes things worse.

If every data point triggers action, SPC isn’t being used — it’s being ignored.

Example

Does it actually matter?

✅ Yes — behaviorally.
SPC prevents knee-jerk decisions and helps teams focus on real problems.