SPC & UMA Modernization: Built for the Way We Work Today

At CTI, investing in better systems is an investment in better service. As part of our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, our Operations and IT teams partnered on a joint initiative to modernize our Upper Management Audit (UMA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC), two internal tools that play a critical role in how we work every day.

Before we dive into the updates, here is how these tools protect your orders:

• SPC (Statistical Process Control): This is our real-time heartbeat. It allows us to measure critical specifications and track order status instantly using smartphone apps.

• UMA (Upper Management Audit): These are our safety nets, audits conducted at critical steps to catch issues early and set corrections immediately.

  
  

In fact, SPC & UMA are two of CTI's 5 Pillars of Quality. By upgrading these systems, we aren't just updating software; we are reinforcing the core methodologies we use to ensure excellence in every product we ship.

The impact of this modernization extends well beyond our teams. By improving speed, reliability, and ease of use, we’re creating efficiencies that directly support stronger execution, clearer communication, and a better experience for our customers. 

What SPC Is and Why It Matters

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is CTI’s system for monitoring critical product characteristics throughout manufacturing, from raw material receiving through finished goods.

At its core, SPC answers three real-time questions: Are we building to spec? Are our processes stable and repeatable? Can we detect drift before it becomes a problem?

SPC captures measurements at defined control points across the process, creating a continuous quality signal rather than a single end of line check. Data is recorded digitally and analyzed in real time so teams can identify variation early and correct issues at the source. SPC keeps the process under control and builds quality into production, rather than relying on final inspection to catch problems after the fact.

What UMA Is and Why It Matters

The Upper Management Audit (UMA) is CTI’s final product inspection and learning process. Its purpose is to confirm finished goods meet customer expectations and to expose weaknesses in the manufacturing system before they result in repeat issues.

UMA is intentionally not a compliance exercise or scorecard. It exists to find problems, identify risk, and create learning opportunities. By inspecting randomly selected finished goods from warehouse stock, UMA mirrors the customer’s point of view and evaluates packaging, labeling, safety, appearance, critical dimensions, pallet quality, and readiness to ship.

UMA is also a leadership engagement tool. It requires active participation from plant leadership and key operators, ensuring findings are understood, discussed, and translated into corrective action. The value of UMA is not the data itself, but the learning and improvement that follow.

UMA is not about proving quality exists. It is about making sure it does.

Designed to Support How Our Teams Work

The updated UMA and SPC platforms were rebuilt with a mobile-first approach, allowing our teams to access what they need quickly and reliably, whether they’re at a desk or on the move. With a more app-like experience and faster performance, our teams can stay focused on their work instead of managing tools.

Key improvements include:

• Faster access to critical information

• Consistent performance across devices

• Fewer interruptions or manual workarounds

Seamless Updates

One of the most meaningful improvements is how updates are handled. New versions of UMA and SPC can now be delivered smoothly with minimal disruption, ensuring our teams always have access to the latest features and improvements without unnecessary downtime.

This streamlined update process helps maintain momentum, especially during busy periods, and reduces the need for troubleshooting or support.

Stronger Systems and Better Service

By modernizing the technology behind UMA and SPC, CTI is strengthening the foundation that supports our operations. More reliable systems mean:

• Faster internal workflows

• Improved accuracy and coordination

• Fewer delays or handoffs

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

This initiative reflects CTI’s belief that service and efficiency start from within. When our teams are supported by reliable, modern tools, they’re better equipped to deliver on CTI’s promise of quality, service, and people-powered performance.

“Modernizing our legacy, in-house proprietary SPC and UMA systems is another step forward in our commitment to continuous improvement and investing in our people and our processes. This step-change helps us serve our customers better every day by giving our teams more time to build quality and develop people.”— Griff Reid, CEO