Show the process of setting up QC Charts using built in formulas for limits
An easily accessible Excel spreadsheet found online can assist in generating QC/Control charts for laboratory data. The following setup instructions will guide you through the process:
This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for creating the same control chart using the Operator10 and Synexus software programs.
Before you start, gather the necessary items to facilitate the setup process.
- Ensure that you are using Operator10/Synexus software version 11.25.4048 or a more recent release. If your current version is older, please reach out to AllMax Tech Support for assistance with upgrading.
- If available, please have a reference copy of an existing control chart that you are currently utilizing.
- A list of parameters that will be used to create the control chart.
Overview:
To effectively create QC/Control Charts, it is essential to grasp the key definitions and calculations involved in their development. During the chart setup, you will need to choose from the following parameters. Each item is accompanied by its corresponding formula for calculating values on the chart. Please note that LP stands for Location: Parameter.
Used on Check Standard Control Charts:
QC Upper Warning Limit (UWL)
Average of the LP Values + (2 * Standard Deviation of the LP)
QC Upper Action Limits (UAL)
Average of the LP Values + (3 * Standard Deviation of the LP)
QC Lower Warning Limit (LWL)
Average of the LP Values - (2 * Standard Deviation of the LP)
QC Lower Action Limit (LAL)
Average of the LP Values - (3 * Standard Deviation of the LP)
Used on Duplicate Sample Control Charts:
QC Dup Upper Warning Limit (UWL)
2 * Standard Deviation of the LP
QC Dup Upper Action Limit (UAL)
3 * Standard Deviation of the LP
QC Dup Lower Warning Limit (LWL)
-2 * Standard Deviation of the LP
QC Dup Lower Action Limit (LAL)
-3 * Standard Deviation of the LP
In this guide, we will demonstrate the process of establishing a Duplicate Sample Control Chart specifically for monitoring Effluent Solids TSS.
Setting up Location Parameters
Step 1:
In your database, it is essential to include the following parameters. These parameters should be integrated into your existing Effluent location, and you will also need to incorporate them into a new location that we have designated as QC Effluent.
- Solids TSS
- Solids TSS Dup
- Solids TSS Diff
For more details on adding locations and parameters, check out the Knowledge Base article Creating a ‘Location: Parameter’ (L:P)”.
Step 2:
Create a formula to calculate the difference between the Solids TSS result and the Solids TSS Dup result. Attach it to the Solids TSS Diff parameter at the Effluent and QC Effluent locations. The formula would be:
- Name: TSS Difference
- Formula Text: [~:Solids TSS]-[~:Solids TSS Dup]
For more details on creating a formula, check out the Knowledge Base article “Creating Custom Formulas.
Step 3:
To facilitate the entry of results and view the calculated outputs, it is necessary to set up a DataView. Below is an example of how your DataView may appear.
After completing the setup, input your data and execute the calculation for your formulas. Once this step is finished, we can proceed to the chart setup.
Setting up the Control Chart:
Step 1:
When you get to the Charts section of the program, click on the plus button so you can add LPs to the chart. Select the QC Effluent:Solids TSS Diff first, use your Ctrl key and select the Effluent:Solids TSS Diff second, then click on OK.
Step 2:
Next, click on the Properties button. In the window that appears, select the facility to which this chart will be linked and assign a name to the chart.
Example: Label the chart as "QC TSS Duplicate Chart." Next, navigate to the left side of the window and select the "Series" option. In this section, we will make some modifications to the series settings. With Series 1 highlighted, proceed to adjust the following parameters. uncheck Visible and Show In Legend.
Next select Series 2. Change the Series Name to TSS Diff. Change the View Type to Line.
Re-select Series 1 and click on the Duplicate button. Next, select the newly created Series 2. Then, disable the options for "Visible" and "Show In Legend." Afterward, enable the "Use Formula" option and enter "0" in the corresponding input box.
Step 3:
Select the "Constants/Bands" button located on the left side of the window:
Here we will add constants for all of the warning and action limits. Each on is done by clicking on the Add button. You will add a total of 5 constant lines.
Next, proceed to define the items in the General tab. Change the default name from "Constant Line" to reflect the specific line it represents; for example, use "LAL" for the Lower Action Limit. Ensure that you select Series 1 for all action and warning limits. For each constant, choose the appropriate Calculation Type as specified earlier, and make sure to display them in the legend for clarity. In the Appearance tab, you can customize the color, line type, and thickness to enhance visibility. Utilize the Title tab to modify the font size and color of the labels for better presentation. Repeat this process for the four constants using Series 1. Finally, add an additional constant using Series 2 and set its Calculation Type to Maximum.
Step 4:
To adjust the chart's visibility, click on the Axes button located on the left side of the window. In this section, you can modify the scale settings to ensure that all data points are clearly displayed. Additionally, you have the option to customize the formatting for both the X and Y axes to enhance the overall readability of the chart.
To complete your chart, make sure to enter appropriate titles in the Chart Title section for clarity and context.
Once you have configured all the settings, click the "Finish" button located in the lower right corner. This action will generate your chart for the specified date range, which will be displayed at the top of the chart section, similar to the layout found in DataViews.
Finally, simply save your chart, and you will be ready to utilize it for any date range you select.