A process capability study is an invaluable way of analyzing and improving business process efficacy and efficiency. A properly conducted study can help a business save huge amounts of money and increase profit margins and turnaround times significantly. Follow a few basic steps to conduct a high quality process capability study.
Instructions
1. Find a suitable process engineer to conduct the study. As with all things in business, human talent can make or break the effectiveness of a process capability study, so find an engineer with relevant experience and a good set of recommendations from reputable employers.
2. Define the terms, aims and parameters of the study. A process capability study that is too general will get lost in less important areas of the process. On the other hand, an overly detailed and narrow study will lose sight of the bigger picture of the process and the goals of the study. Set out a specific list of aims and intentions to define the study and its parameters.
3. Run the process output data. Collect data from the process as if you were preparing a control chart. Then compare the actual process data with the specification data to look for discrepancies in output numbers.
4. Isolate segments of the process and identify variables. For controllable variables, such as the process operator and materials vendor, use a single resource to control the process study. For uncontrollable variables like temperature and humidity levels, track the variables so you can use them to help understand potential discrepancies.
5. Analyze the discrepancies. Your lead engineer should prepare a report and presentation from the study findings. You should discuss discrepancies and problems and include ideas about possible solutions and their cost.
