Tool 57: Data Collection Strategy

AKA

Data Collection Plan

Classification

Data Collecting (DC)

Tool description

The data collection strategy tool provides an approach for collecting data on any process prior to, during, or after an intervention has taken place. It considers data type requirements and sampling and evaluation methods, and it organizes and describes data in statistical terms.

Typical application

• To decide on a course of action on the basis of data collected.

• To prioritize problems to be worked on.

• To verify process capability.

• To monitor process improvement.

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
	Engineering
5	Project management
6	Manufacturing
4	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
7	Servicing/support
2	Customer/quality metrics
3	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Brainstorming

• analysis

• Consensus Decision Making

• Questionnaires

• Gap Analysis

• Checklist

after

• Stratification

• Control Chart

• Polygon Overlay

• Multivariable Chart

• Pareto Chart

Notes and key points

• A data collection strategy form can be developed to meet any data collection need. Refer to statistics information sources for sample size determination, sampling methods, and descriptive and inferential test calculations.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team determines what data needs to be collected to assist in problem specification, confirm defect rates, or measure specific performance expectations. See example Operator Training Results at Facility X.

• STEP 2 The team decides on the method and location of the data to be collected. The data collection strategy form is completed as shown in the example.

• STEP 3 A data collection assignment is given to a team participant or someone familiar with the process.

• STEP 4 After the data have been collected, they are organized and summarized. Basic groups will display certain data and statistical treatment will provide additional information for consideration by the team.

Example of tool application

Operator Training at Facility X