Discovery Strategy in Statistical Control of an Adaptive Process

Adaptive control, based on modeling of a manufacturing process and coupled with predictive control methods, allows for adjustment of nonrobust process variables while maintaining the ability to statistically monitor the cause system for unexpected change. This strategy recognizes both the need for continual improvement in process operation and the need to face the reality of current process under-standing and practical commercial considerations. It incorporates both active and passive use of statistical methods for improving the quality of process output while retaining the ability to detect new process changes. A final feature is the opportunity to refine engineering knowledge concerning process interaction and the adaptive decision model.