|
Analyzing Quality Data
Of course, we are not satisfied to merely collect data. To improve quality, we must also draw out conclusions based on the data in a reliable fashion that is based on sound reasoning. Rigorous data collection techniques help us ensure that our data sets are sound. To come to a conclusion regarding such data, we need to get the data to speak to us - to tell us what it is saying. There is no better way to do this than to display it graphically. Done properly, the data will speak up in a visual manner, and offer us some very good clues as to what is going on in the process we are studying.
Picking the Right Tool
Like the data collection tools described earlier, these analysis tools can also be deployed while data are being collected, or they can be recreated from data that was collected earlier. In either case, they are all designed to uncover the messages of the numbers and give us an understanding of what we can do to improve them.
- When we must monitor a process to ensure that it is operating within normal parameters, we use the Control Chart.
- When we must look at data, to see which factor among many is causing the greatest effect, we use the Pareto Diagram.
- When we wish to study the correlation between two variables to see if they are related, we use Scatter Diagrams.
|
