Often times DOE is considered a manufacturing tool. However, it can be used upstream during R&D and Operational Qualification (OQ) activities. There is much more leverage in this situation. A case study is provided from a client organization to bring the principles to life. This video is the slides and audio recording of the presentation at MDM Minneapolis, October 28, 2013. [Read more…]
on Tools & Techniques
A listing in reverse chronological order of articles by:
- Dennis Craggs — Big Data Analytics series
- Perry Parendo — Experimental Design for NPD series
- Dev Raheja — Innovative Thinking in Reliability and Durability series
- Oleg Ivanov — Inside and Beyond HALT series
- Carl Carlson — Inside FMEA series
- Steven Wachs — Integral Concepts series
- Shane Turcott — Learning from Failures series
- Larry George — Progress in Field Reliability? series
- Gabor Szabo — R for Engineering series
- Matthew Reid — Reliability Engineering Using Python series
- Kevin Stewart — Reliability Reflections series
- Anne Meixner — Testing 1 2 3 series
- Ray Harkins — The Manufacturing Academy series
SPC Average and Range Charts

Introduction
In my prior article, the assumptions behind SPC were discussed in detail except for the analysis. There are two types data that may be analyzed, Counts and Measurement variables. This article focuses on normally distributed measurement variables, and the construction and usage of $-\bar{X}-$ and R charts.
[Read more…]
Finding Skilled Workers

We are often hearing about the shortage of skilled workers. Why is this? What can you do to address it? We believe there are a few reasons for it and we can help you overcome them. This can help you achieve a cost effective competitive advantage. [Read more…]
The Anti Case Study

There are many benefits from acquiring our services. But what if you do not bring us in? This anti-case study describes a situation where they wanted to wait. The impacts came from discussions with company employees after the changes. Can you really afford to wait? [Read more…]
Making the FMEA Scope Visible

Adding Clarity to Your FMEA
Before commencing with the FMEA meetings, it is essential to visibly show the nature and scope of the analysis. This article discusses different ways FMEA scope can be made visible, and why this is a necessary step.
“The soul cannot think without a picture” – Aristotle
SPC Assumptions

Introduction
Statistical Process Controls (SPC) is a suite of methods that can be employed to control a manufacturing or assembly process. It has a wide range of potential applications ranging from consumer products to defense. It can be employed at the lowest element of component manufacturing or an assembly operation.
This article discusses the assumptions necessary to understand SPC.
Fundamental Assumptions
- The process is stable and in control.
- The data are independent of each other.
- The data of each subgroup are identically distributed.
- Real valued data are approximately normally distributed and counting data may be approximated by the normal distribution.
- A measurement can occur in only one subgroup, i.e., sampling without replacement.
Set Up of New Equipment

Many times, new equipment does not move smoothly onto the production floor. Eventually, operations will say “just get it out here.” Using our methodology, we have helped companies be in a position where they are telling us to wait to install it! When you can understand the equipment up front, it makes a huge impact. How do you fit on the spectrum? [Read more…]
Common and Special Causes of Variation

Introduction
Quality Costs for manufacturing or services can be categorized as prevention and appraisal costs, and internal and external failure costs. Control occur in prevention and appraisal activities, both of which rely on data. However, when data is collected, it shows variation. One must understand variation to know how to react.
Dr. Deming indicated that 94% of variation is from common causes and about 6% is from special causes. So what are the common and special causes of variation?
[Read more…]
Valuable Risk Management

While a potentially useful technique, Risk management is often an unwanted obligation. Done well, it can prevent field failures and gain needed resources. Does your project or organization get this value? Or do you only experience the pain? [Read more…]
Quality Costs

Introduction
Businesses, to be competitive, need to control all costs. Product or service failure can result in large uncontrolled costs. As product development proceeds, the cost of failures increases. The concept is shown in figure 1.
Figure 1
No Wasted Motion

A coaching philosophy involves a concept we call “no wasted motion.” It looks at the fundamentals and the impact of various decisions. Habits create results in business and in basketball. A critical and yet realistic eye can help you achieve at the next highest level. [Read more…]
Determining the Scope of the FMEA

The first step in FMEA preparation
Every journey begins with a statement of the goal or objective. Why would it be any different for FMEA? Yet, some FMEA teams do not clearly identifying the focus of the analysis. This sounds simple, and it is; but, it is very important. This article explains why.
“Begin with the end in mind” – Stephen Covey
DOE Training Danger Signs

After years of creating a positive impact with our training, we have discovered several elements to be aware of. When I first was looking for a Design of Experiments (DOE) trainer, I ran across these items too often. This is what drove us to create our own system of training. It grew out of control from there. [Read more…]
How to Make Training Stick

Companies want and need to train. How do you know you are getting your money’s worth? What key elements should you be looking for? While each topic is different, some guidelines have appeared through our experience. If you want this in your training, contact us to gain the benefits. [Read more…]
The Value of Balance

John Wooden often talked about the value of balance as it relates to basketball. This video discusses areas of balance in both business and in basketball.
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