Six Sigma For Dummies
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The primary SPC tool for Six Sigma is the control chart — a graphical tracking of a process input or an output over time. In the control chart, these tracked measurements are visually compared to decision limits calculated from probabilities of the actual process performance. The visual comparison between the decision limits and the performance data allows you to detect any extraordinary variation in the process.

The control chart you choose is always based first on the type of data you have and then on your control objective. The control chart decision tree aids you in your decision.

The general step-by-step approach for the implementation of a control chart is as follows:

  1. Define what needs to be controlled or monitored.

  2. Determine the measurement system that will supply the data.

  3. Establish the control charts.

  4. Properly collect data.

  5. Make appropriate decisions based on control chart information.

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Control charts provide you information about the process measure you’re charting in two ways: the distribution of the process and the trending or change of the process over time. You use control charts to

  • Provide a simple, common language for discussing the behavior and performance of a process input or output measure

  • Control the performance of a process by knowing when and when not to take action

  • Reduce the need for inspection

  • Understand and predict process capability based on trends and other performance insights

  • Determine whether changes made to the process are having the desired result

  • Provide an ongoing, continual view of the performance of the process

  • Create a repository of data for follow-on improvement activities

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Craig Gygi is Executive VP of Operations at MasterControl, a leading company providing software and services for best practices in automating and connecting every stage of quality/regulatory compliance, through the entire product life cycle. He is an operations executive and internationally recognized Lean Six Sigma thought leader and practitioner. Bruce Williams is Vice President of Pegasystems, the world leader in business process management. He is a leading speaker and presenter on business and technology trends, and is co-author of Six Sigma Workbook for Dummies, Process Intelligence for Dummies, BPM Basics for Dummies and The Intelligent Guide to Enterprise BPM. Neil DeCarlo was President of DeCarlo Communications.

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