MEASURE
Welcome to the 2nd phase of a DMAIC Project.
The MEASURE phase involves more numerical studies and data analysis than the DEFINE phase. This phase focuses on measurement system validation and gathering root causes.
The Voice of the Process (VOP) has variation from both the measurement system and the process and all its families (sources) of variation. The MSA will quantify the amount of variation induced from the measurement system and the statistical tests in ANALYZE will quantify the variation due to the significant inputs. Many projects stall at this phase due to the Measurement Systems Analysis. Without taking away from the importance, often times teams cruise through the DEFINE phase then find out that data collection and analysis are very time consuming and challenging. As a GB/BB prepare to buckle down and test your knowledge of basic statistics. Many measurement systems need work or can be improved with simple action, others will require much more and can be a project all by itself. At this phase, the problem statement and project contract are commonly refined as a result of establishing an accurate baseline for the metrics being targeted. Without being able to measure, it is impossible to quantify change in any direction.
This phase will most likely introduce statistical software and this alone can be time consuming to get comfortable with. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the statistical software package prior to starting an project. It is highly encouraged to use the HELP menu to your advantage. Systems with archives of data often have flaws, or the data needed only occurs infrequently. Data collection takes time from operators and management and can be viewed as a burden. Finding the balance to get as much information as possible that is proven reliable while not consuming excessive resources is key to success in this phase. This data collection will often encounter resistance and can lead to gatherings taking the easier route and rounding off numbers, or otherwise skewing and creating inaccuracies. Education, awareness, rule setting, and up front discussion with all stakeholders (not just team members) is ideal to get the most cooperation and validity in data collection. Shown below are some of the commonly used tools and concepts used within the MEASURE phase: Data Sampling - Population vs. Sample SPC-Charts to assess Measurement System Stability MSA - Measurement System Analysis Statistical Process Control (SPC) Charts Fishbone Diagram / Ishakawa Diagram / Cause and Effect Diagram FMEA - Failure Mode Effects and Analysis Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Establishing a Baseline Measurement DPMO - Defects per Million Opportunities
Process Yield Metrics The meaning and formula around sigma scores Sigma, Z-statistic, Z-value
Return to the DEFINE phase Proceed to the 3rd phase of a Six Sigma DMAIC project: ANALYZE Shop for DVD's, tutorials, books, templates, and more Return to the Six-Sigma-Material Home Page from MEASURE |