Method and system for monitoring and controlling a multi-variable process throughout a plurality of distinct phases of the process

A system for control of a multi-variable process throughout a plurality of successive, distinct phases of the process, comprising:

• (a) means for accumulating sets of values of the process and quality variables from previous multiple operations of the process through all the plurality of phases, the sets of values accumulated being respective datasets of a historical record each dataset comprising plurality of sub-sets of data individually identified respectively with the plurality of phases of the process;
• (b) means for determining which of the plurality of phases is a current phase of the process;
• (c) means for deriving an operational envelope in respect of the current phase, the operational envelope being derived from sub-sets of data which are individually identified in the datasets of the historical record with the current phase;
• (d) means for indicating on respective axes of a multi-dimensional display representation current values of the process variables within the current phase of the process, the current values of the process variables within the current phase being indicated on their respective axes of the multi-dimensional display representation;
• (e) means for indicating the operational envelope against the respective axes of the multi-dimensional display representation to define bounds of the current for values of the process variables within the current phase;
• and
• (f) means for controlling the process successively through individual phases of the plurality of phases in dependence upon the bounds defined by the operational envelope for values of the process variables within the current phase.