Anticlue

Six Sigma Data Collection Techniques

We collect data for several different reasons. Data collection is performed to analyze a problem and its impact, to discover the causes of variations, to monitor an existing process, or to uncover how the current process works and if there are opportunities to increase effectiveness.

With Six Sigma, the three standard techniques to collect data are:

1. Tap into existing data sources – Tapping into existing data sources makes use of already existing data. The advantages of using previously existing data are that the unbiased information is quickly available at a minimal cost. However, if it is already existing there are chances that the data may not be exactly what is desired, its accuracy may be comprised since it was gathered with the purpose of the existing project.
2. Solicit the help of process participants and SME – Getting help from process participantas and Subject Matter Experts (SME) utilizes those already involved with the process. The benefits of this method are that feed back is solicited from those involve with the process and the solution is inexpensive and easily executed. The disadvantages are that the data maybe biased, the time to collect that data is limited by the participants availability, and therefore the data may take some time to collect.
3. Develop a new collection strategy – A new collection strategy is customized to the needs of the project so that one can obtain exactly what is need. However, the measurement system is going to take some time to develop and will have an expense associated with it.

Just keep in mind that although each technique has its purpose, teams often use several techniques in gathering the data needed for analysis.