Quality Management Systems have become the backbone of modern manufacturing quality programs. They organize documentation, support regulatory compliance, and manage corrective actions.
Yet many manufacturers still struggle to answer one critical question:
"Is our manufacturing process statistically under control?"
That question is not typically answered by a QMS alone.
It requires statistical quality software.
That's where Prolink QC-CALC and Minitab’s solutions provide significant value.
What Does a QMS Do?
A QMS is designed to standardize and manage quality processes.
Typical capabilities include:
- Document control
- CAPA
- Audits
- Supplier quality
- Complaint management
- Training
- Calibration
- Change management
- Risk management
- Compliance reporting
These systems are indispensable for managing quality operations.
However, they generally are not designed to perform advanced statistical process analysis or automate inspection data collection from metrology equipment. In fact, even when they offer quality modules for data collection they cannot handle the volume and type of data necessary for analysis.
What Is Prolink QC-CALC?
Prolink QC-CALC is manufacturing quality data collection and statistical process control (SPC) software.
It automatically gathers inspection data from hundreds of measurement devices, including:
- Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)
- Vision systems
- Wired gauges
- Wireless gauges
- Laser scanners
- Portable measurement devices
- Surface measurement equipment
Rather than manually importing inspection results into spreadsheets, QC-CALC collects data automatically and analyzes it immediately. Not only does it eliminate manual entry of measurements, but it instantly provides SPC analysis and real-time alerts. It can generate inspection reports, trend analyses and integrates seamlessly with Minitab to deliver custom analysis done by Minitab.
Watch the video to learn how Prolink enables real-time data collection.
The Complete Quality Ecosystem Needs Prolink and Minitab Solutions
QC-CALC is great at collecting and monitoring quality data.
Minitab excels at understanding why variation occurs and determining how to eliminate it.
After QC-CALC identifies an issue, Minitab provides advanced analytical capabilities such as statistical process control, process capability analyses, measurement system analysis, Design of Experiments (both classical and modern) as well as predictive modeling like regression and more advanced machine learning methods.
With Minitab’s Simul8 solution, simulate a proposed improvement to the process before implementing, to insure that the correct action is being taken.
A QMS with Minitab is a Powerful Combination
Manufacturers achieve the greatest results when quality systems work together.
A QMS provides governance and compliance.
Prolink QC-CALC delivers automated inspection intelligence.
Minitab solutions transforms quality data into statistical insight that drives lasting process improvement.
And while quality documentation is essential, quality insights are what enables manufacturers to continuously improve.
By combining a QMS with Prolink QC-CALC and Minitab solutions, manufacturers move beyond documenting quality—they gain the ability to understand, predict, and optimize it.
Read to turn quality data into process improvement? Connect with our team.
