Data Collection: Basic Tools For Process Improvement
Data Collection: Basic Tools For Process Improvement
Module 7
DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
Basic Tools for Process Improvement when it ends are operationally defined, each data collector will observe and record data based on his or her own understanding of the situation. The Data Collection process will not be standardized or consistent. You will have collected data, but it probably won't be much good to you. Worse yet, you may make changes to your process based on flawed information. Data Collection can involve a multitude of decisions by data collectors. When you prepare your Data Collection plan, you should try to eliminate as many subjective choices as possible by operationally defining the parameters needed to do the job correctly. It may be as simple as establishing separate criteria and a specific way to judge when a step begins and when it ends. Your data collectors will then have a standard operating procedure to use during their Data Collection activities.
DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
Basic Tools for Process Improvement This action focuses your team on the specific quality characteristic you want to improve, and sets the stage for where you will collect the data. ! Where will we collect the data? The location (Viewgraph 4) where data are collected must be identified clearly. This is not an easy step unless you tackle it from the following perspective: > Refer to the Flowcharts which depict both the current ("as is") state of the process and the proposed ("should be") state of the process after it has been modified. Focus on the process steps where the key quality characteristic you are trying to improve is produced. > Collect data from these process steps. You must collect data twice. First, you collect baseline data before you make any changes in your process. These baseline data will serve as a yardstick against which to compare the results of the process after changes have been made. Then, you must collect data after the change has been imposed on the process. To compare the before and after process, you will probably want to translate your data into graphic form using a Pareto Chart, Run Chart, or Histogram. The use of these tools is explained in separate modules. > Collect data on the key quality characteristic of the product or service at the end of your process. Again, before and after data must be collected. The comparison of before and after data validates whether the change actually improved the output of the process. ! What type of data will we collect? In general, data can be classified into two major types: attribute data and variables data (Viewgraph 5). > Attribute data give you counts representing the presence or absence of a characteristic or defect. These counts are based on the occurrence of discrete events. As an example, if you are concerned with timely delivery of parts by your store keepers, you could develop a procedure that would give you a count of the number of supply parts they deliver on time and the number they deliver late (defects). This would give you attribute data, but it would not tell you how late a late delivery actually was. Two factors help determine whether attribute data will be useful: >> Operational Definitions. You need to operationally define exactly what constitutes a defect. For the data collected in the example above to be useful, you would have to operationally define late. This may be a good time to review the module on Operational Definitions.
DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
Basic Tools for Process Improvement >> Area of Opportunity. For counts to be useful, they must come from a well-defined area of opportunity. You obtain a single count, or value, from each sample, or area of opportunity. For example, if you are collecting data on the number of defective bayonets received in each shipment of 200, the area of opportunity is the 200-bayonet shipment. The number of defective bayonets in the shipment gives you one count, or data point.
> Variables data are based on measurement of a key quality characteristic produced by the process. Such measurements might include length, width, time, weight, or temperature, to name a few. Continuing with the parts delivery example, you could collect variables data by tabulating the time it took to process an incoming supply request from receipt to validation of the National Stock Number (NSN); or the time from validation of the NSN to identification of the stock bin where the part is located; or the time required to post the obligation in the OPTAR Log; or the total time from receipt of the request to delivery of the part. This measurement, time, could be used to determine how timely or late the deliveries were. ! Who will collect the data? Many teams struggle with this question, but the answer is simple: Those closest to the datathe process workersshould collect the data (Viewgraph 6). These people have the best opportunity to record the results. They also know the process best and can easily detect when problems occur. But remember, the people who are going to collect the data need training on how to do it, and the resources necessary to obtain the information, such as time, paper, pencils, and measurement tools. ! How do we collect the right data? You need to remember that you are collecting data for the purpose of improving the process, not the product it produces. Clearly, you want to collect the data that best describe the situation at hand. If you are going to use the data to make predictions about the performance of the process, you should collect small samples at regular intervalslets say 4 or 5 units every other hour or each day. Since it is important to collect those 4 or 5 units in a short interval of time, you may want to use consecutive units or every other unit. But remember, the cost of obtaining the data, the availability of data, and the consequences of decisions made on the basis of the data should be taken into consideration when determining how much data should be obtained and how frequently it should be collected (Viewgraph 7).
DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
If you haven't thought about these issues, your Data Collection process may be doomed from the start. This is especially true when more than one person is collecting data. What is meaningful to one worker might not be to another. You have to take the time to develop adequate, clear-cut definitions, and train each collector to use those definitions. Problem 2 - Adding bias to the Data Collection process. You can never eliminate bias, but it is important to minimize it. Here are some ways your data can be biased (Viewgraph 9): ! The process of collecting the data may affect the process being studied. If you are trying to make a process faster, taking data may either speed it up or slow it down. > On the one hand, the workers may speed up the way they work in the process, thus skewing the data in their favor. This may occur if they have a perception that the variables data they are collecting will show that they could be more efficient, productive, or effective. Once the Data Collection effort ceases, they may return to their old pace of operations. > On the other hand, the burden of Data Collection may cause a slowdown in the natural flow of the process. If such events are affecting your improvement efforts, you need to alter your Data Collection plan.
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DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
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Basic Tools for Process Improvement The attitudes and perceptions of the data collectors can affect what they see and how they record data. If there is a sense that the data will be used against them, workers may use the data collection process to cast a favorable light on the process being studied. You have to get past this fear in order to collect accurate data. You might want to consider an amnesty program. Data collectors need to be assured that their leaders realize that the data gathered in the past may have been tainted by fear. This requires a commitment by your leadership that the new informationpossibly less glowing or flatteringwill not be compared against old data or their perception of how your process operated in the past. Failure to follow the established Data Collection procedures can add errors to the data. This bias occurs when the Data Collection instructions, training, or checksheets are not adequately prepared and tested in an operational environment. You need to conduct initial training on Data Collection and then perform a small-scale Data Collection trial to see if it all works smoothly. The small-scale trial may uncover some problems which need to be ironed out before you can actively pursue a larger scale Data Collection effort. The trial may reveal that you need to make a minor change in the checksheet to make it clearer or easier to use, or that additional training on Operational Definitions is required to calibrate the eyes of the data collectors. Data may be missing. Don't assume that missing data will show the same results as the data you collected. The fact that the data are missing is a clue that they may be different from the rest. It is best to number the checksheets sequentially to make it easier to verify that you have them all and that all the required samples have been taken.
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
Types of Checksheets
Tabular Format
JULY 94 DEFECT WRONG NSN FAULTY MATERIAL PMS NOT DONE INSTALL PROBLEMS 12 13 14 || | || | || ||| || || 15 | | ||| | | 16 | 17 | | ||| | || 18 TOTAL 8 5 16 2
DATA COLLECTION
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Types of Checksheets
Location Format
DATE: _________________ DEPT: ________________ COMMENTS: ________________________ ____________________________________
X X XX XX X
LOT NUMBER: __________________ NUMBER OF BURRS: ____________ INSPECTOR: ______________________
XX X
DEFECT LOCATIONS
DATA COLLECTION
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Basic Tools for Process Improvement Graphic format. Another way of collecting data is by using a graphic form of checksheet (Viewgraph 13). It is specifically designed so that the data can be recorded and displayed at the same time. Using this checksheet format, you can record raw data by plotting them directly onto a graph-like chart. Viewgraph 13 is an example of a checksheet which also produces a Run Chart as the individual data points are plotted and the adjacent points are joined with a straight line.
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DATA COLLECTION
Types of Checksheets
Graphic Format
90 85
T E M P
oF
80 75 70 65 60 55 50 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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18
DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
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Pharmacist annotates on the checksheet the time (in mins) it takes to fill the prescription.
Time (Mins) 10
5 0 8 9
15
Time of Day
LEGEND: MAKALAPA NAVMEDCLINIC - 16 July 94 - Elapsed time to fill prescription - 1 every 30 mins DATA COLLECTION VIEWGRAPH 16
DATA COLLECTION
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Basic Tools for Process Improvement EXAMPLE 2 - Communications Gateway Site Setup Time: A team of Marines is investigating methods for improving the process to set up a communications gateway site for a tactical data link interface with Navy ships and aircraft. They want to reduce the time it takes to set up the site. They develop a Flowchart of their process (Viewgraph 17) and review it, identifying possible bottlenecks and slow operations. They hypothesize that they can improve their set-up time by focusing on the steps of the process dealing with unpacking the equipment. They opt to use a checksheet to take baseline data on that portion of the process as well as on the overall time to complete the installation and checkout (Viewgraph 18). These two examples illustrate the point that you should collect data from the key process step or steps where the outcome can be most affected. But beware of making assumptions based only on a Flowchart. You should collect some initial data on all critical steps in the process. Then you should collect detailed data about steps that initially showed great variability, or those that took the longest to perform. Only when these data have been analyzed can the cause of pain in the process be identified and acted upon.
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DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
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LEGEND: Elapsed time (in mins) to uncrate equipment - 19 August 94 - MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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Checksheet Example
MOUNT 31 GUNEX DATA
YARDS FROM THE TARGET -180 YDS to -120 YDS -120 YDS to -060 YDS -060 YDS to 000 YDS 000 YDS to 060 YDS 060 YDS to 120 YDS 120 YDS to 180 YDS 180 YDS to 240 YDS 240 YDS to 300 YDS 300 YDS to 360 YDS 360 YDS to 420 YDS
Data taken: USS CROMMELIN (FFG-37) at PMRF, 135 RDS BL&P, Mount 31, 25 June 94
DATA COLLECTION VIEWGRAPH 19
COUNTS
Checksheet Example
BODY FAT DATA
NUMBER OF PERSONNEL
DATA COLLECTORS SIMPLY PLACE AN X ON THE CHECKSHEET
22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4
XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX X XX XX XX
XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX
XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX X XX XX X X
00
04
08
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
PERCENT BODY FAT Data taken: USS LEADER (MSO-490), all 80 personnel assigned, 25 June 94
DATA COLLECTION VIEWGRAPH 20
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DATA COLLECTION
Checksheet Example
GEAR DEFECT DATA
Defect Category 0700 0800 0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
I.D. Size Wrong O.D. Size Wrong Nicks Burrs Tooth Geometry Blemishes Other Total 3 5 l l ll l 2 3 5 3 3 3 2 3 6 l l l l ll l l ll l ll ll l l l l ll l l l l ll ll l ll l
TOTAL
5 1 12 9 2 8 1 38
DATA COLLECTION
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Checksheet Example
EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN DATA
Machine A Time OOC 00-30 Mins 30-60 Mins 1 - 1-1/2 Hrs 1-1/2 - 2 Hrs 2 - 2-1/2 Hrs Total 1 2 H H 2 2 1 2 C E Machine B Total 2 2 H M 3 2 1 10
DATA COLLECTION
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REFERENCES:
1. Brassard, M. (1988). The Memory Jogger, A Pocket Guide of Tools for Continuous Improvement, pp. 14 - 16. Methuen, MA: GOAL/QPC. 2. Department of the Navy (November 1992). Fundamentals of Total Quality Leadership (Instructor Guide), pp, 6-30 - 6-34. San Diego, CA: Navy Personnel Research and Development Center. 3. Department of the Navy (September 1993). Systems Approach to Process Improvement (Instructor Guide), Lesson 2. San Diego, CA: OUSN Total Quality Leadership Office and Navy Personnel Research and Development Center. 4. Scholtes, P.R., et al (1988). The Team Handbook, pp. 5-38 - 5-42. Madison, WI: Joiner Associates. 5. United States Air Force (August 1991). The Metrics Handbook (1st Ed.), p. A-25.
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DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
VIEWGRAPH 1
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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Workers who perform the process steps Properly trained Provided with resources
DATA COLLECTION
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When and how often to collect data How to collect data Units of measurement Criteria for defects Handling of multiple defects
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Adding bias to the collection process Slowdown or speedup Fear Errors in procedures Missing data
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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Types of Checksheets
Tabular Format
JULY 94 DEFECT WRONG NSN FAULTY MATERIAL PMS NOT DONE INSTALL PROBLEMS || | || 12 13 | || ||| || 14 || 15 | | ||| | | 16 | 17 | | ||| | || 18
TOTAL
16
DATA COLLECTION
VIEWGRAPH 11
Types of Checksheets
Location Format
DATE: _________________ DEPT: ________________
COMMENTS: ________________________
____________________________________
X X XX XX X
LOT NUMBER: __________________ NUMBER OF BURRS: ____________ INSPECTOR: ______________________
XX X
DEFECT LOCATIONS
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Types of Checksheets
Graphic Format
90 85
T E M P
80 75 70 65 60 55 50 oF
8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6
DATA COLLECTION
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Tailored for specific purpose Workers help develop form Columns labeled clearly User-friendly format
DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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Pharmacist annotates on the checksheet the time (in mins) it takes to fill the prescription.
Time (Mins) 10
5 0 8 9
15
Time of Day
LEGEND: MAKALAPA NAVMEDCLINIC - 16 July 94 - Elapsed time to fill prescription - 1 every 30 mins DATA COLLECTION
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DATA COLLECTION
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LEGEND: Elapsed time (in mins) to uncrate equipment - 19 August 94 - MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
DATA COLLECTION
VIEWGRAPH 18
Checksheet Example
MOUNT 31 GUNEX DATA
YARDS FROM THE TARGET -180 YDS to -120 YDS -120 YDS to -060 YDS -060 YDS to 000 YDS 000 YDS to 060 YDS 060 YDS to 120 YDS 120 YDS to 180 YDS 180 YDS to 240 YDS 240 YDS to 300 YDS 300 YDS to 360 YDS 360 YDS to 420 YDS COUNTS
Data taken: USS CROMMELIN (FFG-37) at PMRF, 135 RDS BL&P, Mount 31, 25 June 94
DATA COLLECTION
VIEWGRAPH 19
Checksheet Example
BODY FAT DATA
NUMBER OF PERSONNEL
22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4
XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX X XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX
XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX X XX XX X
00
04
08
12
16
20
24
PERCENT BODY FAT
28
32
36
VIEWGRAPH 20
Checksheet Example
GEAR DEFECT DATA
Defect Category 0700 0800 0900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700
I.D. Size Wrong l l ll l l l ll l 3 5 2 3 5 3 3 3 2 3 l l l ll l ll ll l l l l l l l l l O.D. Size Wrong Nicks Burrs Tooth Geometry Blemishes Other Total ll l
TOTAL
ll
12
ll
ll
38
DATA COLLECTION
VIEWGRAPH 21
Checksheet Example
EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN DATA
Machine A Time OOC 00-30 Mins 30-60 Mins 1 - 1-1/2 Hrs 1-1/2 - 2 Hrs 2 - 2-1/2 Hrs Total 1 2 H H 2 2 1 2 C E M M E H M Machine B
Total
10
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