Category: Concepts

Standard Operating Sheet (SOS): Engage Employees and Stay In Spec
Published:Standard operating sheets help keep operations running smoothly. They outline the process steps, timing, and other elements of a given operation and allow employee engagement in the process.
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Using Paynter Charts to Explore Process Performance
Updated:Get a quick primer on Paynter charts, a graphical method for comparing data regarding sub-groups. We look at how Paynter charts compare to KPI data and Pareto charts as well as the benefits of creating and reviewing Paynter charts.
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The Final Step: Understanding the Importance of Process Sign-off (PSO)
Updated:It is important to have a procedure in place to finalize a project. That is where a PSO (process sign off) procedure comes in.
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What is a Certificate of Conformity (COC)? A Complete Guide
Updated:The term COC can mean two different things in Lean Six Sigma management. It can either refer to the โcost of conformanceโ or a certificate of conformity. Since โcost of conformanceโ has already been defined on isixsigma.com at the link listed above, this article will discuss certificates of conformity. What Is a Certificate of Conformity? […]
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Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): Eliminate Defects with Smaller Sample Sizes
Published:The only acceptable quality level should be zero defects. But thatโs not always the case. Letโs learn what an acceptable quality level or limit is all about.
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Enhancing Process Efficiency with FOCUS PDCA
Published:You have probably heard of the acronym PDCA (Deming Cycle) but have you heard of FOCUS PDCA? Read this article and you will understand what it is.
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Making Informed Decisions: The Power of Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
Updated:Making data-driven decisions is critical in todayโs business environment, but can you trust your measurement system to give you meaningful data? Measurement System Analysis is the tool you need to know whether you can trust your data.
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Assignable Cause: Adapting to the Unexpected
Updated:Is assignable cause a bad thing? No, it’s a signal something happened in your process that you didnโt expect. It could be good or bad, but you should find out what happened.
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When to Use Kruskal-Wallis Instead of ANOVA in Statistical Analysis
Updated:There are times when you may encounter the need to analyze non-normal distribution. Having another option other than the ANOVA test in these types of situations is critical.
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The Importance of Non-Parametric Tests in Statistical Analysis
Updated:Many statistical tests have underlying assumptions about the population data. But, what happens if you violate those assumptions? This is when you might need to use a non-parametric test to answer your statistical question. Non-parametric refers to a type of statistical analysis that does not make any assumptions about the underlying probability distribution or population […]
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Navigating Turnaround Time in Process Management
Updated:Your customers often ask, โWhen will I get my widget delivered?โ You respond with, โIt depends.โ If you know your turn-around time, you might be able to provide a better answer. Letโs learn more about turn-around time.
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Kaizen Blitz Explained: A Targeted Approach to Problem Resolution
Updated:Your business is at war with waste, defects, and inefficiencies. Letโs attack and defeat your enemy with a lightning-quick attack using overwhelming forces. In other words, a Kaizen Blitzkrieg, or Blitz for short.
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The Kano Analysis: Customer Needs Are Ever-Changing
Updated:I will be the first to admit that I still have a few cases of 8-track tapes. For those too young to know what 8-track tapes are, please ask your parents. As a customer who purchased a lot of music, my needs were simple. I wanted a clearer sound and something smaller to store. The […]
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Average Outgoing Quality: Minimize Defects and Guarantee Quality
Updated:We have all heard the phrase โgarbage in, garbage out.โ AOQ is defined as the expected average quality level of an outgoing product for a given the value of incoming product quality.ย
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Fishbone Diagrams: A Powerful Tool for Root Cause Analysis
Updated:Fishbone diagrams are used to drill down to the root cause of a problem. The diagram looks like the bones of a fish, where each main bone represents a possible category of root cause, and subsequent drilling down is shown as smaller and smaller bones.
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Process Control Plan: A Roadmap to Process Success
Published:In Six Sigma, you will often hear the phrase, โIt worked so well we stopped doing it.โ The purpose of a process control plan is to maintain the gains of your project and prevent this from happening.ย
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What Are the 7 Wastes of Lean?: How to Identify and Eliminate Them
Published:Waste is all around your organization. Using the acronym TIMWOOD, you will learn how to identify the 7 wastes of lean and eliminate them to improve your organization.
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First-Time Yield: The Key to Minimizing Rework and Improving Efficiency
Updated:The purchasing department manager left another message, informing the planning department that they once again sent over a request for a quote that didnโt contain all the information needed to place the order. Itโs a problem that seems to keep repeating, but is it truly that impactful an issue? To better understand the situation, the […]
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How the Taguchi Method Simplifies Experimental Design and Analysis
Updated:When you have multiple factors at different levels, it can be challenging to figure out which is the optimal combination. Design of Experiments is one common method you can use. The Taguchi Method is another.
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Operations Process: The Plan for Your Organization’s Success
Updated:When it comes to getting a task accomplished, having an operations process greatly increases the probability of success.
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The Power of Special Cause Variation: Learning from Process Changes
Updated:This article will introduce you to special cause control chart patterns. You will learn why special cause variation is one of the foundational concepts in quality improvement and the use of special cause variation in process improvement.
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6W Methodology: Master Problem Analysis With Ease
Published:6W? 5W1H? 5W? The bigger question is, how do you make sure youโre asking the right questions to guarantee you properly solve your problem or execute your project?
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Understanding Poka-Yoke: Eliminating Defects with Proactive Measures
Updated:What is poka-yoke? Have you ever accidentally microwaved your face? No? Youโve never opened the microwave door while it was cooking and accidentally exposed your face to microwave energy? I know that you havenโt because whenever you open the door, the microwave stops running. There is a switch that triggers when the door is opened […]
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Why Upper Specification Limits Matter in Process Improvement
Updated:The upper specification limit represents the highest limit that a measurement or reading can reach and still be acceptable to the customer. There are several benefits of monitoring USL and determining if a process can satisfy customer requirements.
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