Event Level Measurement

Summary

Keep it simple. If collecting and analyzing data is difficult, it will not be done. Do not try to chart every metric you have. Start by identifying where the problems are in your organization, and devise metrics to track and monitor your current processes and improvement efforts. Or, you can start with a list of metrics that you currently collect and use, and decide which ones (two or three) might relate to the problems your organization faces.

SPC depends on historical data. It also depends on accurate, consistent process data. If you are just beginning the process improvement journey, do not jump into SPC. You (your data) are not yet ready for it. That is why the CMMI waits until Maturity Level 4 in the staged representation to suggest the application of SPC techniques. At Level 2, processes are still evolving. At Level 3, they are more consistent. Level 4 takes process information from Level 3, and analyzes and structures both the data and their collection. Level 5 takes predictable and unpredictable processes, and improves them.

Do not just show pretty pictures. Know what they mean and where the data come from. Use the information provided in the charts to identify areas of improvement and measure whether improvements are really taking place.