Case Study: Understanding Process Measurement Variation

Introduction

I have started a new business providing height measurements of humans. my customers expect accurate and precise measurements. I intend to use two methods of measurement: a yardstick or meterstick, and a tape measure. the question is, I must test the two methods to evaluate their performance and provide the results to my customers.

For this experiment, I will need the following:

A yardstick or meterstick.

A tape measure.

Access to a single entrance door that is six feet or taller.

Twenty or more individual participants.

Instructions

Method 1

You will test Method 1 in this way:

1.Ask each participantto measure the height of the entrance door using the yardstick or the meterstick.

2.The participant will report the measurement to you or someone you have designated as the data collector. If the participants are together, make sure that they don't reveal their answers to anyone but the data collector.

3.Tabulate the data and plot each measurement on a run or sequence chart. No deviation from the prescribed method is allowed.

Method 2

For Method 2, you may use the same or a different set of participantsand the same entrance door or another door.

1.This time, the participantswill use the tape measure in any way they desire.

2.Again, each person silently reports the measurement of the door to you or a designated data collector.

3.Tabulate and plot each data point as in Method 1.

1.Compare the accuracy and precision of the two methods using graphical and analytical methods.

oDevelop a flow chart for each method in which you specify the key problems that might be present.

oDevelop the supplier, input, process steps, output, and customer (SIPOC) model to analyze the process of both methods.

oThis may also be done in the flow chart. (Please reference these instructions on how to

2.Identify the method that was most accurate. Provide a rationale for your response.

3.Analyze the flow chart and SIPOC model to identify opportunity for improvement (OFI).

oNext, categorize whether the OFIs are caused by special causes or common causes variations. Provide a rationale for your response.

oIdentify which method of measurement you would recommend. Explain why.