Tool 137: Polygon Overlay


AKA

Polygon Trend Comparison

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

A polygon overlay is a graphical representation of many data variables, encoded for quick comparisons. It is a statistical tool that shows trendlines and correlations found in historical data.

Typical application

  • To plot data for forecasting purposes.

  • To allow results comparisons.

  • To verify status of progress.

  • To provide supporting data in a problem-solving effort.

Problem-solving phase

Select and define problem or opportunity

Identify and analyze causes or potential change

Develop and plan possible solutions or change

Implement and evaluate solution or change

Measure and report solution or change results

Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

1

Research/statistics

Creativity/innovation

4

Engineering

3

Project management

Manufacturing

6

Marketing/sales

Administration/documentation

Servicing/support

5

Customer/quality metrics

2

Change management

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links to other tools

before

  • Data Collection Strategy

  • Observation

  • Event log

  • Surveying

  • Frequency Distribution (FD)

after

  • Trend Analysis

  • Process Analysis

  • Pie Chart

  • Stratification

  • Presentation

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Notes and key points

  • Do not exced five data variables on one cart; it may become difficult to scale every variable if vertical scales cannot be used for more than one variable. if there is a great numerical difference that requires separate vertical scale designations (upper/lower limits), a common denominator must be used to align scales from the zero point on the overlay graph.

Step-by-step procedure

  • STEP 1 Draw the vertical axis to be 75 percent of the horizontal axis. This 3:4 ratio rule is used to ensure unbiased graph construction. See example Company Reengineering and Retraining Results.

  • STEP 2 Identify the number of scales and their upper and lower limits required to include all data points.

  • STEP 3 Encode and name different data sets.

  • STEP 4 Graph data, anchoring it to its specific scale.

  • STEP 5 Verify that all raw data have been accounted for and properly converted to corresponding frequencies and positions on the graph.

  • STEP 6 Ensure that the title of the graph and all designations provide accurate descriptions of the data. Use notes if necessary to guarantee clarity.

  • STEP 7 If desired, continue to plot data for ongoing treendline analyses.

Example of tool application

click to expand




Six Sigma Tool Navigator(c) The Master Guide for Teams
Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams
ISBN: 1563272954
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 326

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