In this paper an overview is given of statistical process monitoring with the emphasis on batch processes and the possible steps to take for improving this by incorporating external information. First, the general concept of statistical process monitoring of batches is explained. This concept has already been shown to be successful according to the number of references to industrial applications. The performance of statistical process monitoring of batch processes can be enhanced by incorporating external information. Two types of external information can be distinguished: batch-run specific and process specific information. Various examples of both types of external information are given. Several ideas of how to incorporate the external information in model development are discussed. The concept of incorporating process specific information is highlighted by an example of a grey model. This model is applied to a biochemical batch process that is spectroscopically monitored.