The Practical Application of the Process Capability Study ─ Evolving from Product Control to Process Control

Creating a universal language for problem solving, The Practical Application of the Process Capability Study: Evolving from Product Control to Process Control delineates the process capability study, a powerful tool that, when understood and implemented, provides benefits to every department within a manufacturing organization. With easy to read, step-by-step flow diagrams on how to perform process capability studies and measurement process analyses, the book’s coverage includes:


The benefits of statistical process control over statistical product control
Real-world industrial examples and case studies illustrating how to use the techniques
Ways for management to determine if the investment in process capability studies is providing an appropriate return
Methods to correct lack of stability and capability once either condition has been identified, such as the ANOVA technique and the simple three-factor designed experiment
A flow chart that enables machine operators to execute a process capability study without interfering with productivity

A great deal of information is available on the technical concepts of the process capability study, much of it emphasizing the mathematics. Unfortunately, concentrating on the math and fine distinctions, such as the difference between alpha- and beta-type errors, has created barriers preventing many from fully appreciating the basic concepts, the simplicity, and the usefulness of the tool. This book shows you how to use the process capability study to increase return on investment from your statistical process control/Six Sigma effort and make your company more competitive.

Douglas B. Relyea is the founder and senior partner of Quality Principle Associates, a consulting firm based in Norwich, Connecticut that specializes in the education and application of data analysis techniques to industrial/organizational problem solving.

A Review of Basic Concepts
Specifications Revisited
Process Control Chart vs. Product Control Chart
Process Capability Study Defined
A Shop Floor Example of Process Control
A Short Course in Variation
Stability and the Normal Curve
Study the Product to Understand the Process
Product Control Chart and Process Stability
Product Control Chart and Process Capability
The Simple Number Describing Process Capability
Can a Process be Instable but Capable
Performing a Process Capability Study
A Simple Flow Diagram
The Need for a Qualified Measurement System
Shop Floor Interface
Equipment Walk About
Data Collection
The Available Excel Sheet
Reviewing Results with Management and Shop Floor Associates
After the Process Capability Study Is Complete
How to Address Instability
How to Address a Lack of Capability
Follow Up on a Stable and Capable Process
The Twenty Minute Measurement Analysis
Shop Floor Involvement
The Available Excel Sheet
Chapter Five
The Process Capability as a Purchasing Tool
The Process Capability Study as a Sales and Marketing Tool
The Process Capability Study as a Shop Floor Problem Solving Tool
Conclusion