In the DMAIC framework of the Six Sigma Method , a Data Collection Plan is created during the Measure phase. A project manager who already has a Six Sigma Green Belt training will know that it is a useful tool to focus your efforts on. It is a detailed document that describes the exact steps as well as the sequence that needs to be followed in gathering the data for the given Six Sigma project.
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Green Belt training is a good way to learn more about how a Data Collection Plan fits into the DMAIC process outside of what we will be discussing in this article.
A Data Collection Plan ensures that everyone, working on a Lean Six Sigma project, is on the same page with regard to the data plan. It also ensures that this information is correctly channeled to the right stakeholders in the organization who are going to help us with our data needs. The purpose of the plan is to make sure that the data collected are meaningful and valid and that all relevant data are collected concurrently, the Xs and the Ys.
We need a Data Collection Plan here because we want to be efficient by not wasting resources on collecting data that are irrelevant to the project or not usable. By creating a Data Collection Plan, we can focus our efforts on answering specific questions that have business value. This directed approach with a Data Collection Plan helps us avoid locating and measuring data just for the sake of doing so.
1) Identify the questions that you want to answer
The first step in creating a Data Collection Plan is to identify the questions we want to answer. Our data must be relevant to the project. The entire reason to have a DMAIC project is to improve a process. Hence, these questions should be centered on what the reality of our process is under the current state of affairs or status quo. The best practice is to use the SIPOC diagram as a guide for data collection. We also need to figure out the type of measurements or metrics we want to include.
2) Determine the kind of data that is available
The second step in creating a Data Collection Plan is to find out what kind of data is available to collect. What data exists that can give us all the required answers? Sometimes, a particular piece of data can give us multiple answers. Make sure that you make a list of all of the data points that are needed to answer the questions the project is centered on.
3) Determine how much data is needed
The third step in creating a Data Collection Plan is to decide how much data we need. We want to get enough data so that we can see patterns and trends. For each data element on the list, write down how much data is actually needed.
4) Determine how to measure the data
The fourth step in creating a data collection plan is to see how we are going to measure the data. As we all know, data can be measured in different ways: check sheets, survey answers, etc. The way we measure will be dependent upon the type of data we seek.
5) Decide who is going to gather data
The fifth step in creating a data collection plan is to decide who is going to collect the data. Nowadays, the data can also be collected through automated software. We may be required to liaise with the person in charge of the software to ensure the data is available and in the correct format.
6) Determine where the data will be collected from
The sixth step is to check where to collect the data from. It means deciding on the location and/or source of data. The location does not mean any physical location. It is the location within the process. The data collection plan must explicitly specify where in the process data must be collected from.
7) Decide whether to measure a sample or the whole population
The seventh step is to decide whether to sample the data or not. Sometimes it is impractical to measure an entire population of data. In such a case, we then take a sample of data. The question that the project team needs to look into could be: What should be our sampling method and sample size be to make statistically-sound judgments?
8) Determine in what format the data will be displayed
The eighth step is to decide the format of displaying the data. We can display data in many ways such as Pareto Diagrams, Scatter Diagram, etc.
The typical components of a Data Collection Plan are as follows:
The first thing that needs to be clarified before any effort is done is the purpose. The most common purposes include finding whether a process is stable? Whether a process is capable?
Data Collection Plan/Matrix Introduction
Have a look at the example of a Data Collection Plan or Matrix in the figure below. Let’s try to understand the different elements of the Data Collection Plan here. First, we start with capturing the process name. The name of the process owner is filled in accompanied by their contact information, location and area. The stakeholder who prepares the Data Collection Plan has to sign it off and then the first level, second level, and third level of authorized stakeholders are supposed to sign the off the Data Collection Plan. If the Data Collection Plan runs into multiple pages, you can add the page number. The document number and revision data would need to be mentioned for audit purposes.
A solid Data Collection Plan will help Lean Six Sigma teams to collect data in the Measure phase of the DMAIC cycle with accuracy, precision, and transparency. With a Data Collection Plan, all the stakeholders will be informed and there will be an opportunity to question some of the Data Collection Plan ideas before the actual data collection begins. Creating a Data Collection Plan avoids teams just jumping in and collecting data at random. A Data Collection Plan is a structured way of stipulating exactly how the project’s data will be collected.
