Tool Set for Improving Transactional Processes

If you are not using the referenced statistical tools, you might want to question whether you are:

1. Getting enough applicable data. Most transactional processes do not have substantial data because historically these processes are not documented much less measured.

2. Your teams are aware that there are tools available which can make use of the more comprehensive analytical DMAIC tools, e.g., Igrafx Process for Six Sigma. (DOE output to Minitab is available)

3. Data mining sufficiently to get the most out of the data. (How comprehensive is your data collection plan?)

The referenced non-statistical tools are of critical value and to discount their usefulness in light of the more robust analytical tools impacts the quality of the project’s outcome. I have noted process design or improvement teams chose to not use these tools primarily due to their ignorance of the tools and their appropriate usage. These tools are extremely valuable within transactional process projects, They have the ability to segregate truth from intuition and to deliver quantifiable results from completed projects. There are several good books out where the usage of statistical tools is detailed.