on Tools & Techniques

A listing in reverse chronological order of articles by:

Dennis Craggs — Big Data Analytics series

Perry Parendo — Experimental Design for NPD series

Dev Raheja — Innovative Thinking in Reliability and Durability series

Oleg Ivanov — Inside and Beyond HALT series

Carl Carlson — Inside FMEA series

Steven Wachs — Integral Concepts series

Shane Turcott — Learning from Failures series

Larry George — Progress in Field Reliability? series

Gabor Szabo — R for Engineering series

Matthew Reid — Reliability Engineering Using Python series

Kevin Stewart — Reliability Reflections series

Anne Meixner — Testing 1 2 3 series

Ray Harkins — The Manufacturing Academy series

by Dennis Craggs Leave a Comment

MSA 2 – Gage Variation

Most of us rely on accurate measurements. If these measurements are unreliable, then our decisions could be based on false information. How can we have confidence in our measurements?

The purpose of a measurement system analysis is to determine if a gauge is fit for use. This means that we can rely upon the measurements to give us a true indication of the parameter being measured. Our decisions will not be affected by erroneous data. So how can we know the quality of our measurements?
[Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

Weld Case Study with Surprise Finding

Case studies always have good endings – but this one was not looking good. With some insights, we found an unexpected issue. This provided an important answer for a struggling manufacturing process. [Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

Developing Requirements for New Products

Requirements for the typical company have few guidelines. This video gives an outline for what we have experience in industry and in our consulting experiences. It is essential for success. We can help you get there. [Read more…]

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

Assembling the Correct FMEA Team.

Once you have identified the scope of the FMEA project, made the scope visible, it is time identify the FMEA team members. This article discusses the composition of the FMEA team, including why each member is needed, and the underlying reason for a cross-functional team.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller

[Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

Must Have a Go To

In sports, people talk about a go to guy or a go to play. What about in business or new product development? Where do you go during critical times? We find companies calling us to resolve those items. [Read more…]

by Dennis Craggs 2 Comments

100% Inspection

Introduction

When it is necessary to check 100% of parts for one or more characteristic?

There are situations where 100% of manufactured parts are checked. These include visual inspection, measurements of a part characteristic, and a reaction to low process capability. These may be accomplished manually or an automated process.
[Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

Don’t Need a Science Project

What people need are practical business solutions. They do not need science projects – or efforts only for the sake of learning. [Read more…]

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

Establishing FMEA Ground Rules and Assumptions

FMEA teams should agree to the ground rules that guide the analysis and the underlying assumptions that impact the entire FMEA. Failure to do so will add complexity and confusion to the resulting FMEA, and waste people’s time. Don’t miss this important step in FMEA preparation.

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.” Isaac Asimov

[Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

Respect all and fear none – Coaching and NPD

In sports, the mantra of “Respect all but fear none” is used by many coaches. This same philosophy is appropriate for New Product Development. Respect the design or process – nothing is simple. Yet, do not fear new things. A healthy respect for trying new things. This is how we coach and how we consult! [Read more…]

by Dennis Craggs 3 Comments

When should SPC be used?

Introduction

Many companies use SPC to control their manufacturing and assembly processes. Other companies use 100% inspection and some companies do nothing. How can one choose between these three alternatives?

To make a rational choice, some questions need to be answered.

What are the costs of internal and external failure on similar product?
Is the product design and/or process flow new, modified or carryover?
Are critical characteristics for the part and process known?
Are the process capabilities known?

[Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

Business Results Focus

We provide business solutions. How can we prove it? This video provides the basis for our experiences with results. [Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

Why Do DOE Upstream?

Often times DOE is considered a manufacturing tool. However, it can be used upstream during R&D and Operational Qualification (OQ) activities. There is much more leverage in this situation. A case study is provided from a client organization to bring the principles to life. This video is the slides and audio recording of the presentation at MDM Minneapolis, October 28, 2013. [Read more…]

by Dennis Craggs 3 Comments

SPC Average and Range Charts

Introduction

In my prior article, the assumptions behind SPC were discussed in detail except for the analysis. There are two types data that may be analyzed, Counts and Measurement variables. This article focuses on normally distributed measurement variables, and the construction and usage of $-\bar{X}-$ and R charts.
[Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

Finding Skilled Workers

We are often hearing about the shortage of skilled workers. Why is this? What can you do to address it? We believe there are a few reasons for it and we can help you overcome them. This can help you achieve a cost effective competitive advantage. [Read more…]

by Perry Parendo Leave a Comment

The Anti Case Study

There are many benefits from acquiring our services. But what if you do not bring us in? This anti-case study describes a situation where they wanted to wait. The impacts came from discussions with company employees after the changes. Can you really afford to wait? [Read more…]