Glossary

Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) is a term used to describe standards in the ISO 10303 family. The objective of STEP is to enable the use of neutral product data throughout the life cycle of a product, independent from any particular system. Typically, STEP is used to exchange data between CAD, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Computer Aided Engineering and Product Lifecycle Management systems.

Established in the US in 1937, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes are used to classify types of industry. Other countries and regions have adopted and adapted SIC. The US replaced SIC with NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) in 1997. The EU uses NACE (nomenclature statistique des activités économiques dans la communauté européenne) and there is an international version maintained by the UN (ISIC).

The codes have changed over the years, largely to ensure new industries have a place in the scheme (software development did not exist in 1937).  Concordance tables allow users of the various systems map between them. Governments generally require companies to self-classify on tax returns.

(SPC)

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a data driven approach for monitoring and controlling a process or production method. It involves collecting and analyzing data about a process. By using statistical techniques, the analysis can go beyond a simple pass/fail test, and identify drifts in a process before the drift is large enough to produce non-compliant results.

SPC is often implemented using charts for operators to check. In advanced systems, adjustments are made automatically when readings indicate that a control limit is being approached.

Statistical Quality Control (SQC) applies probability and statistical techniques to ensure products conform to requirements. It is essential when destructive testing is the only way to check a product, and it can improve cost effectiveness of inspection and testing in many environments.