FAQ's

How do I make Avance start automatically?
Go to the File menu > Properties. From here you can force Avance to load a particular file at start-up, and also minimize at start-up. If you have devices setup to run automatically in real time then Avance will run statistical quality control quietly in the background of your process.

Can I read and write to an OPC server?
Yes, this new feature allows Avance to write to KepDirect OPC server when statistical control changes states (in-control or out-of-control). With OPC read and write capabilities you can talk to PLC's and other automation devices, and directly integrate Avance and SPC into your automated process.

Will my brand of OPC server work with Avance?
Avance will only work for kepdirect servers. In the near future we will extend the compatibility to other servers.

Can I import Excel data?
Yes, you may import Excel spread sheets using the Excel loader. Select File > Import > Excel.

What's the difference between a 'predefined serial device' and a 'generic serial device'?
Avance is always working to add specific serial devices to it's list of 'predefined' serial devices. The advantage is that you don't have to spend time configuring Avance to work with your device. You simply select the device from a list and begin collecting data. The generic device will work for most any serial device, however you do have to setup the connection from the setup dialog.

Can I connect to my serial device?
Yes, you may define your own generic serial device or select a predefined tool such as Mitutoyo's SPC input tool.
To setup the generic serial device go to Part Setup by clicking the Part Setup icon located on the toolbar (hover over the icons with the mouse for a brief description). From the Part Setup dialog click the New Device icon, right click the newly created device, select edit. The device setup dialog appears.
To use the preset serial devices such as the Mitutoyo SPC input tool, select the settings menu -> data input -> and then select the appropriate device.

Can I set the specification limits?
Yes, you may do this from the Part Setup dialog. Click the Part Setup icon located on the toolbar (hover over the icons with the mouse for a brief description). From the Part Setup dialog click on the part or process you want work with. The variables for the selected part or process will appear in the right hand window. right click the variable you want to operate on, select Edit. The Variable Setup dialog should appear. From here you may set the specification limits, subgroup size, and dispersion statistic.

How do I filter out outliers?
Select the Data Management icon from the toolbar (hover over the icons with the mouse for a brief description). From within the Data Management dialog you may merge parts and variables, sort data chronologically, and filter data values using logical operators.

How do I set the subgroup size?
Click the Part Setup icon located on the toolbar (hover over the icons with the mouse for a brief description). From the Part Setup dialog click on the part or process you want work with. The variables for the selected part or process will appear in the right hand window. right click the variable you want to operate on, select Edit. The Variable Setup dialog should appear. From here you may set the specification limits, subgroup size, and dispersion statistic.

How do I print the capability report?
The capability report exists as 'CapabilityReport.html' in your working directory (if you selected the default installation directory: c://program files/Avance). You may view this file in any web browser to print.

I can't see the manual input text box! what happened to it?
When you change the method used for data input from manual input to a serial device or to real time monitoring of the *.ez file the manual input text box disappears. To make it visible again select the settings menu > data input > manual input.