process control charts

Process Control Charts

An Overview

What is Statistical Process Control?

Statistical Process Control (SPC) uses statistical tools to observe the performance of a process in order to predict significant deviations that may result in defectives.

SPC Terminology

Common Cause Variation• A natural part of any process, the normal ‘ups

and downs’ Special Cause Variation

• Unnatural variation, something out of the ordinary that causes a process to ‘spike’

Defectives/Exceptions• Failures to meet the upper or lower limits of a

process (not always bad)

SPC Terminology

Mean• The average value of the data (x)

• Data set = 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5,6,6,8,8,9,9,9,9• X = 5.65

Median• The middle of the data (x)• X = 5

Mode• The most frequent data point• Mode = 9

~

~

Standard Deviation:• Key basis for control charts• Simple definition: the mean of the mean (e.g.

the average of the averages)• If you’re a math geek, the formula is:

SPC Terminology

where Σ = Sum of X = Individual score M = Mean of all scores N = Sample size (Number of scores

σ =Σ(xn-x)2

n - 1

Standard Deviation

1

2

3

34

4

5

5

5

6

68

89

9 9

9

Data Set

Sample Size = 17 (n)

σ =Σ(xn-x)2

n - 1

17 - 1=

111.88

16= 6.99 =

(1 – 5.65)2

+(2 – 5.65)2

+(3 – 5.65)2

+(3 – 5.65)2

…2.64

Mean (x) = 5.65 (M)

σ = 2.64σ = 2.64

OK, It’s a lot of boring numbers.What does it mean to me?

OK, It’s a lot of boring numbers.What does it mean to me?

Standard DeviationFirst, we identify the center (mean) of the data:

In a normal distribution, most of the data points will cluster around the center.

In a normal distribution, most of the data points will cluster around the center.

Standard DeviationNext, let’s look at one standard deviation from the mean:

One σ either side of the center accounts for ~65% of the entire dataset.

One σ either side of the center accounts for ~65% of the entire dataset.

Standard DeviationNow, let’s look at two standard deviations from the mean:

Two σ either side of the center accounts for ~95% of the entire dataset.

Two σ either side of the center accounts for ~95% of the entire dataset.

Standard DeviationFinally, let’s look at three standard deviations from the mean:

Statistically, in a normal distribution 99% of the data

will be within three standard deviations from

the mean.

Statistically, in a normal distribution 99% of the data

will be within three standard deviations from

the mean. Data points outside of three standard deviations would be considered ‘outliers’ or ‘exceptions’

Data points outside of three standard deviations would be considered ‘outliers’ or ‘exceptions’

Standard Deviation

A normal curve is variable.

How wide or narrow the curve is depends upon how loosely or tightly

the data is centered around the mean.

How wide or narrow the curve is depends upon how loosely or tightly

the data is centered around the mean.

Standard Deviation

The size of the standard deviation is based on the spread of the data.

Process Control Chart

Primary tool of SPC is the Control Chart• AKA Process Behavior Chart

Two components• X-bar• S-chart

Reference:• Understanding Variation – The Key to Managing Chaos, by Donald

Wheeler

• StatGuide - Minitab

Process Control Chart

X-bar vs. s-chart• Both control charts• Have similar components• Measure different aspects of the process

• X-bar measures variation from the process center (mean)

• S-chart measures variation within the subgroups; e.g. the range or ‘spread’ of the process

First, let’s review the components of a control chart:

Control Charts – Components

This chart demonstrates all of the components generally found in a control chart.


Control Limits –Calculated by the process, the Upper (UCL) and Lower (LCL) Control Limits define the upper and lower boundaries of the process. As long as the process remains between the UCL and LCL, it is generally considered ‘in control,’ with only normal variation. Also known as “natural process limits.”


Control Limits –The UCL and LCL are each three standard deviations from the Center Line.

3σ

3σ


Center Line –Calculated by the process.

On the x-bar, the Center Line defines the process mean (x). In other words, this is the process center.

On the s-chart, the Center Line defines the average standard deviation of the subgroups. In other words, the process range, or spread.

x-Bar – Calculating the Center

Each of these points represent the mean for the specific subgroup (week).

Each of these points represent the mean for the specific subgroup (week).

The Center Line is the mean (avg) of the subgroup. An ‘average of the averages.’

The Center Line is the mean (avg) of the subgroup. An ‘average of the averages.’

If the process is ‘in control’ all of the subgroup averages should be within 3 σ of the center line (UCL & LCL)

If the process is ‘in control’ all of the subgroup averages should be within 3 σ of the center line (UCL & LCL)

S-chart – Calculating the Center

Each of these points represent the standard deviation for the specific subgroup (week).

Each of these points represent the standard deviation for the specific subgroup (week).

The Center Line is the average standard deviation of the subgroup.

The Center Line is the average standard deviation of the subgroup.

If the process is ‘in control’ all

of the subgroup σ should be within 3 σ of the center line (UCL & LCL)

If the process is ‘in control’ all

of the subgroup σ should be within 3 σ of the center line (UCL & LCL)


What do we mean when we say the s-chart measures the ‘spread’ of the data?

Recall that standard deviation is based on a normal curve. On the s-chart, the Center Line is the average σ of all the subgroups. Consider it to be the ‘normal’ distribution for the process.

Recall that standard deviation is based on a normal curve. On the s-chart, the Center Line is the average σ of all the subgroups. Consider it to be the ‘normal’ distribution for the process.


What do we mean when we say the s-chart measures the ‘spread’ of the data?

If the spread – the σ – of an individual subgroup is broader than the average, the data point would be above the center line. If it’s too broad, it may generate an exception above the UCL.

If the spread – the σ – of an individual subgroup is broader than the average, the data point would be above the center line. If it’s too broad, it may generate an exception above the UCL.

If the spread – the σ – of an individual

subgroup is narrower than the average, the data point would be below the center line. If it’s too narrow, it may generate an exception below the LCL.

If the spread – the σ – of an individual

subgroup is narrower than the average, the data point would be below the center line. If it’s too narrow, it may generate an exception below the LCL.


Data Labels –Calculated by the process, the labels indicate the data used to calculate the UCL, LCL, and Center Line.


Time Axis –A control chart tracks data over time. The x axis of a control chart indicates the time period over which the data has been collected.


Data Axis –The y axis of a control chart indicates the frequency of the data being captured. This could be volumes, hours, or any quantitative measure.


Tests –There are 8 tests that can be run against a x-bar control chart.

For the s-chart, only the first four tests apply.


Tests –A test 1 failure identifies a special cause, or outlier, where data exceeds more than three standard deviations from the Center Line; i.e. it falls outside of UCL or LCL. In this case the exception is outside of the upper limit.

Test 1 RCA is typically very straightforward, as it can be drilled down to specific data points.


Tests –A test 2 failure identifies a special cause where there are nine data points in a row on the same side of the Center Line.

Test 2 RCA is typically more complex, as it may mean nothing, or it could be identifying a trend that could be signifying an impending process shift.


Tests –Test 3: six points in a row, all increasing or decreasing.Test 4: 14 points in a row, alternating up and down.Note: Only the first 4 tests apply to s-charts. The remaining tests apply only to the x-bar chart.

Test 5: two out of three points greater than two standard deviations from the Center Line (same side).Test 6: four out of five points greater than one standard deviation from the Center Line (same side).


Tests –Test 7: fifteen points in a row within one standard deviation of the Center Line (either side).Test 8: eight points in a row greater than one standard deviation from the Center Line (either side).


Process Shift –When there is a significant change to the process, which affects the UCL, LCL, and Mean (x), a process shift may be inserted and the limits released to recalculate and let the process normalize.


Process Shift –The shift will be notated at the top of the chart, with details documented within the associated report.

A change to the process may also be documented within the metrics report without an associated shift, depending on the anticipated impact.


Process Shift –When a formal shift occurs, the limits are released – unfrozen – and the process runs for a period of time to let the process normalize. Once the process is deemed in control, the limits are frozen. The current status is noted on the control chart in the lower left corner.


Specification Limits –An optional component, a specification limit is an arbitrary goal set by management or customers. For example, on this chart there may be a goal set of 50 hours for a Upper Spec Limit, and 30 hours for a Lower Spec Limit.

X-bar vs. s-chart

Identifies outliers based on the variation to the process mean.

Measures the detail; is sensitive to process changes.

X-bar vs. s-chart

S-chart is a high-level view of process performance.• Uses standard deviation to identify variation in the

performance of the subgroups.• Each point represents the standard deviation for that

subgroup’s dataset.• The Center Line is the average standard deviation for

all of the datasets.• Three σ on each side of the Center Line should account

for almost the entire range of the subgroup.

X-bar vs. s-chart

S-chart• Remember, σ looks at how the dataset is

clustered around the mean.• Ideally, each subgroup should have a

consistent spread (range) over each measurement period.

• The Center Line on the s-chart is the average σ of all the subgroups on the chart.

X-bar vs. s-chart

One way to look at it:• X-bar chart measures specifics, often allows drilldown

to discrete incidents. • Measures the actions of individuals.

• A single incident could cause an outlier on the x-bar.

• S-chart measures the performance of the group. • Outliers are broader, because in order to generate an

exception it has to impact the entire group.• It is not impossible, but it is very unlikely a single

incident could generate an exception on the s-chart.

Let’s Look at Examples

• Example 1

Based on what you know about control charts, is there anything to be concerned with here?

Both charts are within the normal limits. This process is

consistent and can be considered ‘in control.’

Both charts are within the normal limits. This process is

consistent and can be considered ‘in control.’


Example 2


S-chart is ‘in control.’S-chart is ‘in control.’

Test 1 failuresTest 1 failures

A test 1 failure identifies a special cause, where data exceeds more than three standard deviations from the Center Line

A test 1 failure identifies a special cause, where data exceeds more than three standard deviations from the Center Line

Investigation

Always look at the s-chart first. • It must be understood and in control before we can

interpret the x-bar. Test Failures:

• Test One failure: attempt to identify the data leading to the outlier.• Determine root cause and remediation.

• Other test failures often require detailed investigation.• Tests 2-8 do not generate outliers, these tests

identify trends or signal a potential out-of-control process.

Investigation

Eliminating data that causes outliers.• We would eliminate any exception that we

determine is unusual and out of the ordinary.• Example:

• Single outlier caused by a tech ‘fat-fingering’ a time entry may be a potential candidate for elimination

• If there are many examples of ‘fat-fingering’ it’s possibly inherent to the process and would not be eliminated.


Example 3


Test one failure

Test two failure

Test one failure

Potential test two failure (downward trend)

A test 2 failure identifies a special cause where there are nine data points in a row on the same side of the Center Line.

A test 2 failure identifies a special cause where there are nine data points in a row on the same side of the Center Line.


Example 4


Test two failures

Test eight failures

Test one failure

A test 8 failure reflects eight points in a row greater than one standard deviation from the Center Line (either side).

A test 8 failure reflects eight points in a row greater than one standard deviation from the Center Line (either side).

We have a very low value on one end.

And a couple very high values on the other end.

The spread (σ) of the data is larger than normal, triggering a test one failure above the UCL.

The spread (σ) of the data is larger than normal, triggering a test one failure above the UCL.


Example 5


Test one failure, above the UCL.

Test one failure, above the UCL.

Test one failure, below the LCL.

Test one failure, below the LCL.


Lots of VERY low numbers.Lots of VERY low numbers.

Impacts the s-chart because the low numbers increase the spread of the data, causing an exception above the UCL.

Impacts the s-chart because the low numbers increase the spread of the data, causing an exception above the UCL.

Impacts the x-bar chart because the low numbers reduce the subgroup mean, causing an exception below the LCL.

Impacts the x-bar chart because the low numbers reduce the subgroup mean, causing an exception below the LCL.

Root Cause:A single technician incorrectly using the system to enter time for administrative tasks.

Demonstrates the sensitivity of using a combination of the x-bar and s-chart.

Root Cause:A single technician incorrectly using the system to enter time for administrative tasks.

Demonstrates the sensitivity of using a combination of the x-bar and s-chart.


Example 6


Test two failures

Test three failure

We can’t really investigate or understand these test one failures until we under-stand the test two failures in the s-chart.

We can’t really investigate or understand these test one failures until we under-stand the test two failures in the s-chart.

Test three is six points in a row, all increasing or decreasing

Test three is six points in a row, all increasing or decreasing

Let’s Look at Examples Question

• What changed?• Added a new

workgroup, sowe should adda process shift.

This is the type of test failure that can be a real challenge to investigate. A much deeper investigation will be needed to identify the potential root causes of this trend.

This is the type of test failure that can be a real challenge to investigate. A much deeper investigation will be needed to identify the potential root causes of this trend.

Questions?

process control charts

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