A method for displaying a visual process signature for ready visual
recognition and communication of otherwise complex manufacturing process
information. Process data may be stored in a plurality of data stores,
each data store holding a plurality of records containing process data,
each record associated with at least one process component. A proxy
virtual database is created from copies of records selected from the data
stores. Statistical analysis operations are applied to the selected
records within the proxy virtual database to identify process components
or combinations of process components having a significant effect on
characteristics of a product produced as well as the magnitude of that
effect. At least three characteristics of the identified process
components including the outcome of the statistical analysis operations
are selected and visually displayed in a static or animated
three-dimensional representation shown on a two-dimensional display. The
visual display indicates the directionality and the extent of the selected
characteristics of the selected process components in relation to the
selected characteristics of the product produced.