Special cause variation is one of the two main categories of variation. Common cause, the other type, is the consistent, recurring fluctuation within a system, sometimes referred to as “noise”. Special cause variation, in layman’s terms, are the spikes that are caused by problems outside of those that regularly affect Read more…
A histogram is a specialized form of bar chart that shows the distribution of the data it is representing. Each bar represents a uniform range of data values, with the height of the bar showing the number of occurrences that fall into that range. Because a histogram shows a distribution, Read more…
Common cause variation is the predictable, repetitive, systemic portion of variation. Contrast this with special cause variation, caused by unusual occurrences. Common cause variation, in a nutshell, is the consistent random (or random appearing) fluctuation built into a process. It is also frequently referred to as noise. While common cause Read more…
The “7 Basic Tools of Quality“ (or 7 QC Tools) is a set of relatively simple data analysis tools used to support continuous improvement efforts, specifically as they relate to quality. These tools are fairly straightforward in that they don’t require sophisticated statistics to use though control charts do border Read more…
The 6 P’s is a mnemonic tool similar to the 6 M’s. Both are used to categorize causes on an Ishikawa (cause & effect) diagram. The 6 M’s were traditionally used for fishbone diagrams on the shop floor or other production environments. The 6 P’s originated when more and more Read more…
The 6 M’s are a mnemonic tool used primarily during the creation of a cause & effect diagram. The 6 M’s are: Machines Methods Materials Mother Nature Manpower (People Power) Measurements Watch the 6 M’s Video Let’s look at the 6 M’s in more detail. Machines: Tools and equipment used Read more…
The Delphi method of predicting outcomes has been around for a long while but is not widely used in continuous improvement. It is the process of posing questions to many experts and using a summary of their results to further a discussion to predict a future outcome. One such panel Read more…
A Pareto chart is a valuable prioritization and communication tool. It is simply an ordered bar chart showing the most common item on the left and the least common on the right. This tool capitalizes on the 80/20 rule. In effect, this rule says that 80% of whatever it is Read more…
In any field, there are a handful of common mistakes. Continuous improvement is no different. Some of these errors come as a result of ignorance about the proper way of doing things. Some are the result of habit. And a handful come as a function of taking the path of Read more…
A priority matrix is a decision-making tool that helps, as the name implies, with prioritization. A common matrix will include the importance of an action (or problem) and the urgency of it. The goal is to work on the tasks that will deliver the biggest bang for the buck first. Read more…
How many KPI’s should your team have? There are a lot of variations on an old saying that goes something like this: “That which gets measured gets done.” This is especially true in Lean organizations. Making improvements requires a detailed understanding of how things are going. Many of these metrics that Read more…
So, it is a lazy Saturday morning, and my elementary school age son asked me to play a game of baseball on the Wii. He even offered to “take it easy on me.” It is impossible to resist an offer like that, so, of course I played.
The first inning was scoreless. In the second inning, he put up 4 runs to my goose egg…