Numerical Optimization
What is numerical optimization? What are the limits of the approach? It can be used while trying to obtain robust design, but constraints need to be understood. [Read more…]
Numerical Optimization
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
- Carl Carlson — Inside FMEA series
- Anne Meixner — Testing 1 2 3 series
- Kevin Stewart — Reliability Reflections series
Winning Championships or winning games
Winning Championships or winning games
Tom Izzo has often talked about the difference between winning games and winning championships. Observing him, I believe I understand his comment better now. [Read more…]
Field issue resolved – DOE Case Study
Field issue resolved – DOE Case Study
Have you considered understanding your design better to eliminate service calls? An example of an organization that did this – powerful results. “Return to original factory settings and call back if that does not resolve it.” No calls for years! [Read more…]
Parameter Diagram and FMEA
Parameter Diagram and FMEA
When creating a robust design, there is probably no more important consideration than identifying the correct parameters and associated values. A robust design is insensitive to anticipated variation and P-Diagram visually shows the relationship between what the system is designed to do, the anticipated noises the system will encounter and the correct parameters to achieve the desired outcome. P-Diagram can be an essential input to FMEA.
“Concern for man and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical endeavors. Never forget this in the midst of your diagrams and equations.” Albert Einstein
What is Optimization
What is Optimization
Everyone wants excellence and continuous improvement, but what does optimization mean? And how do you get there? This video covers two basic optimization methods and how we blend them for Robust Design. [Read more…]
Work and Play, Hard Smart and Together
Work and Play, Hard Smart and Together
Coach Dean Smith always used this phrase with his teams and his teaching. It is how I focus my coaching, but also how I consider New Product Development. Would this mix be valuable for your organization and your career? [Read more…]
Measurement Systems
Introduction
Most of us rely on accurate measurements. If these measurements are unreliable, then our decision could be based on false information. How can we have confidence in our measurements?
The purpose of a measurement system analysis is to determine if a gauge is fit for use. This means that we can rely upon the measurements to give us a true indication of the parameter being measured. Our decisions will not be affected by erroneous data. So how can we know the quality of our measurements?
[Read more…]
Weld Case Study with Surprise Finding
Weld Case Study with Surprise Finding
Case studies always have good endings – but this one was not looking good. With some insights, we found an unexpected issue. This provided an important answer for a struggling manufacturing process. [Read more…]
Developing Requirements for New Products
Developing Requirements for New Products
Requirements for the typical company have few guidelines. This video gives an outline for what we have experience in industry and in our consulting experiences. It is essential for success. We can help you get there. [Read more…]
Assembling the Correct FMEA Team.
Assembling the Correct FMEA Team.
Once you have identified the scope of the FMEA project, made the scope visible, it is time identify the FMEA team members. This article discusses the composition of the FMEA team, including why each member is needed, and the underlying reason for a cross-functional team.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller
Must Have a Go To
Must Have a Go To
In sports, people talk about a go to guy or a go to play. What about in business or new product development? Where do you go during critical times? We find companies calling us to resolve those items. [Read more…]
100% Inspection
Introduction
When it is necessary to check 100% of parts for one or more characteristic?
There are situations where 100% of manufactured parts are checked. These include visual inspection, measurements of a part characteristic, and a reaction to low process capability. These may be accomplished manually or an automated process.
[Read more…]
Don’t Need a Science Project
Don’t Need a Science Project
What people need are practical business solutions. They do not need science projects – or efforts only for the sake of learning. [Read more…]
Establishing FMEA Ground Rules and Assumptions
Establishing FMEA Ground Rules and Assumptions
FMEA teams should agree to the ground rules that guide the analysis and the underlying assumptions that impact the entire FMEA. Failure to do so will add complexity and confusion to the resulting FMEA, and waste people’s time. Don’t miss this important step in FMEA preparation.
“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.” Isaac Asimov
Respect all and fear none – Coaching and NPD
Respect all and fear none – Coaching and NPD
In sports, the mantra of “Respect all but fear none” is used by many coaches. This same philosophy is appropriate for New Product Development. Respect the design or process – nothing is simple. Yet, do not fear new things. A healthy respect for trying new things. This is how we coach and how we consult! [Read more…]