When was Statistical Process Control (SPC) devised?

Statistical Process Control (SPC) was developed in the 1920s by Walter A. Shewhart, who is often regarded as the father of SPC. It was designed as a method for ensuring process stability and quality control through statistical methods. While the widespread adoption and formalization of SPC practices in manufacturing were more noticeable during the mid-20th century, particularly during the quality movement of the post-World War II era, the specific time frame associated with the mid-1980s is more reflective of when SPC began to gain traction in various industries outside of manufacturing. This period saw an increase in quality initiatives, including the integration of SPC into broader quality management systems. Hence, the significance of the mid-1980s aligns well with the developments and enhancements in SPC application during that time, making it a focal point for quality control practices in various sectors.