Links to additional information on tools used in the Converge step: This is the range of measurements along the horizontal axis.ħ) Calculate the Discrimination Ratio: ΔP/ΔM.Ĩ) If (ΔP/ΔM) ≥ 6, accept the measurement system otherwise, seek improvements before using the measurement system in the search for the Red X. This distance represents the measurement system variation, ΔM.Ħ) Determine the process variation, ΔP. Repeat the measurement on each piece.Ģ) Plot the pairs of measurements the first measurement on the horizontal axis, the second on the vertical axis.ģ) Draw a 45° line (slope = 1) through the scatter plot created in step 2.Ĥ) Draw two lines, each parallel to the 45° line, that bound all data points.ĥ) Determine the perpendicular distance between the lines drawn in step 4. To construct and interpret an Isoplot (see Exhibit 1):ġ) Measure the characteristic of interest on each of 30 pieces. Isoplot: An Isoplot is used to evaluate the reliability of a measurement system it is an alternative method to variable gauge R&R. Links to additional information on tools used in the Focus step:

If the answers to these questions are perceived as accusatory, the improvement effort may lose the support of critical team members, hindering identification of the Red X and implementation of a solution. The 5 Ws are Who? What? Where? When? and Why? The 2 Hs are How? and How much? As simple as this “tool” is, it must be used with caution. Links to additional information are provided to assist this effort.ĥW2H: 5W2H is an abbreviation for seven generic questions that can be used to define the scope of a problem. Consult the references cited, or other sources, for additional information. The descriptions below only preview the tools available. Many are unique, while a few have been adapted or expanded for use within the Shainin System. The tools are designed to be intuitive and easy to use by practitioners without extensive statistical training. More than 20 tools have been developed as part of the Shainin System, using a foundation of rigorous statistics. The Shainin System toolbox is the topic to which we now turn. Use of graphical tools facilitates implementation by non-mathematicians and expedites identification of the Red X. The FACTUAL framework exhibits a similar flow to DMAIC – problem definition → data collection → analysis → implementation → monitoring – but the Shainin System takes much greater advantage of graphical analysis than does Six Sigma. Those designated with a “*” are discussed in the next section. The lower right cell lists examples of tools commonly used to achieve the objectives of each step. The lower left cell contains the deliverables expected to result from those activities. The top cell of each table contains a description of activities associated with that step. Fortunately, this one is easy to pronounce! The FACTUAL framework is comprised of the steps Focus, Approach, Converge, Test, Understand, Apply, and Leverage.Įach component of the FACTUAL framework is presented in a summary table below. Much like Six Sigma, the Shainin System uses an acronym to guide application of its methodology. statistical methods are in common use, and.Red X Problem Solving is best suited for process development projects with the following characteristics: This expands the use of tools from highly-trained statisticians to operators and engineers of all skill levels. It has been developed to be statistically rigorous, while keeping complex statistics in the background.

The Shainin System is also known by a more descriptive moniker, “ Red X Problem Solving,” owing to its focus on the single largest contributor to process variation. With sufficient resources, all Xs could be identified. Several input factors (Xs) affect the variation in output (Y). The Red X is critical because the output varies as a function of the squares of the input variations, according to the following relation: The Pink X and Pale Pink X may also require improvement. Breakthrough improvements in process performance are achieved only by identifying and controlling the Red X.The “ Pink X” and “ Pale Pink X” are the second and third largest contributors to variation, respectively. A single root cause is the source of the greatest amount of variation (the “ Red X”) it may be an independent variable or the interaction effects of multiple variables.Use of the Shainin System to improve process performance is based upon the following tenets: In the intervening decades, the system has evolved, with additional tools developed, through Shainin’s experience with numerous operations and a vast range of quality and reliability problems. Development of the Shainin System began in the 1940s while Dorian Shainin worked with aeronautics companies to resolve production issues.

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