Chapter 21

Eyeing Process Characterization and Optimization Technologies

In This Chapter

arrow Understanding the platforms and protocols of technology tools

arrow Recognizing the capabilities and limitations of manual tools and techniques

arrow Examining various levels of computerized Six Sigma technology

The fundamental tenets and tools of Six Sigma are naturally independent of how you apply them. They are conceived in the abstract world of mathematics and logic. Consider a histogram, a cause-and-effect matrix, or a run chart — even now, as you read this, you can see these in your mind’s eye. Picture a curve, for example, representing the distribution of how long it takes travelers to drive from Salt Lake City to Phoenix — a normal distri-bution, of course. Is the curve you picture drawn by hand? Is it on the back of a napkin or a nice piece of graph paper, or do you picture seeing it on a computer screen or high-definition TV monitor? Chances are the answer is none of the above. You just “see” it. That’s because the concept and values of that distribution exist independent of how they’re captured, analyzed, and viewed.

Imagine that you’re in Salt Lake City and you’re thinking of driving to Phoenix, ...

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