Tool 40: Control Chart - c (Variable)

Tool 40: Control Chart—c (Variable)

AKA

N/A

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

A control chart is a graph that plots randomly selected data over time in order to determine if a process is performing to requirements or is, therefore, under statistical control. The chart displays whether a problem is caused by an unusual or special cause (correctable error) or is due to chance causes (natural variation) alone.

Typical application

• To determine if a process is performing to upper and lower control-limit requirements (process is kept in control).

• To monitor process variations over time, with regard to both special or chance causes.

• To identify opportunities for improving quality and to measure process improvement.

• To serve as a quality measurement technique.

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

2	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
4	Engineering
	Project management
1	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
3	Customer/quality metrics
	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Standard Deviation

• Sampling Methods

• Observation

• Checksheet

• Events Log

after

• Process Capability Ratios

• Variance Analysis

• Descriptive Statistics

• Process Analysis

• Work Flow Analysis (WFA)

Notes and key points

Types of Control Charts
Data Required	For Specific Chart
Quantitative Variable Data Continuous or measurements Example: size, downtime, dimensions, activities per day, etc.	– R chart† (average and range "R" of samples) – S chart (average and standard deviations "S" of samples)
Qualitative Attribute Data Discrete or counts Example: Complaints, rework, missed due dates, delays, rejects, etc.	c chart†† (number of defects in a subgroup) np Chart (number of defective units in a subgroup) p chart‡ (percentage defective) μ chart (defects per unit)

Most commonly used charts:

†For variable data:	-R Chart
††For attribute data:	c Chart
‡For attribute data:	p Chart

Note: For a description of other charts refer to a reference on statistical process control (SPC).

• c Chart (attribute data)

• Sample data: Minumum (25) samples, subgroups must be of equal size (sample size is constant).

• Calculations: See c Chart example.

  

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 Determine the type of attribute control chart to be used. See example Typing: Errors per Page (attribute control chart—Type c).

• STEP 2 Collect at least 25 samples of data; subgroups must be of equal size.

• STEP 3 Prepare a type c chart and continue to record collected data as shown. See example chart.

• STEP 4 After all 25 subgroups (samples) have been recorded, perform all required calculations. See notes and key points above for example.

• STEP 5 Plot and connect plotted points to form a trendline. Verify that the trend line points reflect recorded averages .

• STEP 6 Analyze plotted data for significant variance or patterns. Date the chart.

Example of tool application