Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

Tool 40: Control Chart—c (Variable)

AKA

N/A

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

A control chart is a graph that plots randomly selected data over time in order to determine if a process is performing to requirements or is, therefore, under statistical control. The chart displays whether a problem is caused by an unusual or special cause (correctable error) or is due to chance causes (natural variation) alone.

Typical application

To determine if a process is performing to upper and lower control-limit requirements (process is kept in control).

To monitor process variations over time, with regard to both special or chance causes.

To identify opportunities for improving quality and to measure process improvement.

To serve as a quality measurement technique.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
→	Implement and evaluate solution or change
→	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

2	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
4	Engineering
	Project management
1	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
3	Customer/quality metrics
	Change management

links to other tools

before

Standard Deviation

Sampling Methods

Observation

Checksheet

Events Log

after

Process Capability Ratios

Variance Analysis

Descriptive Statistics

Process Analysis

Work Flow Analysis (WFA)

Notes and key points

Types of Control Charts
Data Required	For Specific Chart
Quantitative Variable Data Continuous or measurements Example: size, downtime, dimensions, activities per day, etc.	– R chart† (average and range "R" of samples) – S chart (average and standard deviations "S" of samples)
Qualitative Attribute Data Discrete or counts Example: Complaints, rework, missed due dates, delays, rejects, etc.	c chart†† (number of defects in a subgroup) np Chart (number of defective units in a subgroup) p chart‡ (percentage defective) μ chart (defects per unit)

Most commonly used charts:

†For variable data:	-R Chart
††For attribute data:	c Chart
‡For attribute data:	p Chart

Note: For a description of other charts refer to a reference on statistical process control (SPC).

c Chart (attribute data)

Sample data: Minumum (25) samples, subgroups must be of equal size (sample size is constant).

Calculations: See c Chart example.

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 Determine the type of attribute control chart to be used. See example Typing: Errors per Page (attribute control chart—Type c).

STEP 2 Collect at least 25 samples of data; subgroups must be of equal size.

STEP 3 Prepare a type c chart and continue to record collected data as shown. See example chart.

STEP 4 After all 25 subgroups (samples) have been recorded, perform all required calculations. See notes and key points above for example.

STEP 5 Plot and connect plotted points to form a trendline. Verify that the trend line points reflect recorded averages .

STEP 6 Analyze plotted data for significant variance or patterns. Date the chart.