Control Chart of Weight Over 2 Years

In Jan 2012 I weighed 245 pounds. About 60 pounds over a “good” weight for my height.  I was scheduled to go on a 2 week backpacking trip with my sons in July 2012 in New Mexico at Philmont Scout Ranch. My problem was twofold: The maximum weight allowed for […]


Numbers

If you have a project goal without numbers, you don’t really have a goal.


Why Bother With a Value Stream Map?

  Why bother with a Value Stream Map? A value stream map helps you visualize what is really happening in the process.  It is an overview, but at a glance, allows you to see the non-value added time in each major process step (cycle time, up time, output), the waste […]


Control Limits vs. Specification Limits

Another area many people beginning their Lean Six Sigma journey struggle with is the difference between control limits and specification limits.  Here is an easy way to help remember: * Control limits are found on a control chart and represent the voice of process * Specifications are from customer specifications […]


Measurables

So many going through Lean Six Sigma training struggle with finding project measures that are actually measurable. The voice of the customer doesn’t always speak in numbers.  For example, if the customer says “we want a soft pillow,” operational definitions need to be developed to first determine what “soft” means […]


FMEA

FMEAs can be intimidating.  Search online and you will find hundreds of templates, and large companies can be very strict on details for their internal templates.  Risk Priority Numbers and mitigation and peripheral effects and more. Keep in mind the 4 things that matter for FMEAs and the rest is […]