The paper first presents a comprehensive description of some hot problems in statistical modeling, online monitoring, and quality prediction for batch process based on multivariate statistical techniques, including the development of various solutions and their advantages and disadvantages. Then, phase-based statistical analysis strategies are addressed with a focus on the multiplicity of operation phase and phase transition behaviors. This part analyzes the phase-based process characteristics and their effects on product quality, discusses the inherent basis, and reveals their significance. Finally, from the viewpoint of solving practical problems, the existing problems are explored and their prospective development is discussed. Phase-based statistical analysis for batch processes is important in both theory meaning and application, which will benefit further process monitoring, fault diagnosis and quality prediction. © 2010 Acta Automatica Sinica.