Statistical Engineering

An Algorithm for Reducing Variation in Manufacturing Processes

Stefan H. Steiner, R. Jock MacKay

• Publisher: ASQ Quality Press
• Year: 2005
• ISBN:
  9780873891363
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Operations
• Index: Business

Reducing the variation in process outputs is a key part of process improvement. For mass produced components and assemblies, reducing variation can simultaneously reduce overall cost, improve function and increase customer satisfaction with the product. The authors have structured this book around an algorithm for reducing process variation that they call "Statistical Engineering." The algorithm is designed to solve chronic problems on existing high to medium volume manufacturing and assembly processes. The fundamental basis for the algorithm is the belief that we will discover cost effective changes to the process that will reduce variation if we increase our knowledge of how and why a process behaves as it does. A key way to increase process knowledge is to learn empirically, that is, to learn by observation and experimentation. The authors discuss in detail a framework for planning and analyzing empirical investigations, known by its acronym QPDAC (Question, Plan, Data, Analysis, Conclusion). They classify all effective ways to reduce variation into seven approaches. A unique aspect of the algorithm forces early consideration of the feasibility of each of the approaches. Also includes case studies, chapter exercises, chapter supplements, and six appendices. PRAISE FOR Statistical Engineering "I found this book uniquely refreshing. Don't let the title fool you. The methods described in this book are statistically sound but require very little statistics. If you have ever wanted to solve a problem with statistical certainty (without being a statistician) then this book is for you. - A reader in Dayton, OH "This is the most comprehensive treatment of variation reduction methods and insights I've ever seen."- Gary M. Hazard Tellabs "Throughout the text emphasis has been placed on teamwork, fixing the obvious before jumping to advanced studies, and cost of implementation. All this makes the manuscript!attractive for real-life application of complex techniques." - Guru Chadhabr Comcast IP Services COMMENTS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS Average Customer Rating (5 of 5 based on 1 review) "This is NOT a typical book on statistical tools. It is a strategy book on how to search for cost-effective changes to reduce variation using empirical means (i.e. observation and experiment). The uniqueness of this book: Summarizes the seven ways to reduce variation so we know the goal of the data gathering and analysis, present analysis results using graphs instead of P-value, and integrates Taguchi, Shainin methods, and classical statistical approach. It is a must read for those who are in the business of reducing variation using data, in particular for the Six Sigma Black Belts and Master Black Belts. Don't forget to read the solutions to exercises and supplementary materials to each chapter on the enclosed CD-ROM." - A. Wong, Canada

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• CIP data
• Contents
• Material from CD-ROM
• Figures and Tables
• Acknowledgments
• Preface
• 1 Introduction
• PART I Setting the Stage
• 2 Describing Processes
• 3 Seven Approaches to Variation Reduction
• 4 An Algorithm for Reducing Variation
• 5 Obtaining Process Knowledge Empirically
• PART II Getting Started
• 6 Defining a Focused Problem
• 7 Checking the Measurement System
• 8 Choosing a Working Variation Reduction Approach
• PART III Finding a Dominant Cause of Variation
• 9 Finding a Dominant Cause Using the Method of Elimination
• 10 Investigations to Compare Two Families of Variation
• 11 Investigations to Compare Three or More Families of Variation
• 12 Investigations Based on Single Causes
• Chapter 13 Verifying a Dominant Cause