Data collection in the Six Sigma deployment takes place in the Measure part of the DMAIC. Crucial in collecting data is being able to ask the right questions to get the right data. As author Edward Hodnett noted, “If you don’t ask the right questions, you don’t get the right answers. A question asked in the right way often points to its own answer. Asking questions is the A-B-C of diagnosis. Only the inquiring mind solves problems.”
It is therefore important to master data collection. The following are some helpful tips:
Be sure the concerned people know how the data will be used.
Utilize an objective party to help collect the data whenever possible to help eliminate bias.
Be sure “good” questions are specific to the problem under study. The better the question, the more useful the data. If you know that factors such as shift, location, person doing the work, machine, suppliers, etc., are important to the problem under study, make sure your data collection plan and form considers these stratification factors.
Use the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) when designing your collection form. The more complex you make your collection tool, the more opportunity you create for problems.
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Asking the Right Questions is the Key to Data Collection
Building a Data Collection Plan
