Publications

Ce premier volume enseigne les fondamentaux de la résolution des problèmes de flux et les principes de base du Lean Management. Le livre s'adresse aux étudiants et formateurs en Lean Six Sigma, ainsi qu'aux managers qui souhaitent aller au-delà de la simple acquisition de formules et développer leurs pratiques sur une base théorique solide. Tout en respectant les racines historiques, l'esprit et la terminologie établie du Lean Six Sigma, l'ouvrage s'efforce d'identifier, d'unifier et de formaliser ses principes fondamentaux sous-jacents.

This second volume details the implementation of the approach within companies and the generic DMAIC methodological protocol. Based on an original definition of statistical problems, it teaches the fundamentals of solving "discernible" statistical problems and the basic principles of Six Sigma. The book is intended for students and teachers of Lean Six Sigma, as well as operational improvement practitioners who wish to move beyond simply acquiring formulas and develop their practices based on a solid theoretical framework.

Résumé :

%GRR et le nombre de catégories distinctes (NDC) sont largement utilisés comme indicateurs de l'aptitude des systèmes de mesure. Cependant, la formule de calcul habituellement acceptée du NDC se voit attribuer un coefficient dont l'origine a conduit à la coexistence de deux interprétations différentes et trompeuses du NDC. Nous recommandons de supprimer ce coefficient afin de s'en tenir à la définition de la résolution du système de mesure ou au concept équivalent de rapport signal sur bruit. Nous proposons également un réalignement des seuils d'acceptation du %GRR et du NDC.

Résumé :

As part of the Measure phase of a Six Sigma (DMAIC) project, it is key to determine the sample size appropriate given the statistical precision needed on the estimation of the process capability (defined here as the expected proportion of defective units). Six Sigma practitioners are generally taught to use either some rule of thumb (skipping so the precision requirement) or a sample size formula allowing to specify the required precision. While such a formula is provided for binary data, when dealing with defect counting data, the usual formula taught is about estimating the mean number of defects per unit and not the proportion of defective units (i.e., the defective rate). This paper elaborates a formula and derived tables for calculating the sample size required to achieve the needed statistical precision on the defective rate when working with a defect counting metric. Reversely, the precision obtained for a given sample size is calculated. The results are then compared to those for binary data and it is suggested that the sample size calculation for binary data is worth to be considered as an acceptable easier-to-use alternative. The challenge to obtain decent precisions due to the sample size requirements when operating at low defective rates is also highlighted.

Résumé :

As part of the Measure phase of a Six Sigma (DMAIC) project, it is key to determine the sample size appropriate given the statistical precision needed on the estimation of the process capability (defined here as the expected proportion of defective units). Six Sigma practitioners are generally taught to use either some rule of thumb (skipping so the precision requirement) or a sample size formula allowing to specify the required precision. While such a formula is provided for binary data, when dealing with continuous data, the usual formula taught is about estimating the mean and not the defective rate. Other alternative approaches are about calculating the sample size based on precision on process capability indexes designed for manufacturing industry. However, these technical indexes are often not relevant for most users and managers not working in specific production environments. This paper elaborates solutions for calculating the sample size required to achieve the needed statistical precision on the defective rate when working with a continuous metric in both cases of one and two specification limits. Reversely, the precision obtained for a given sample size is calculated. The challenge to assess high Sigma performance levels because of the required sample size is also highlighted.