A tool that I find extremely useful working in continuous improvement is the matrix. The matrix can be used in many different situations
to help discover relationships between various aspects of a process.
There are numerous types of matrices to use depending upon your situation. Do a web search for “Matrix” and see what’s
out there. But for now, here are a couple
of my favorites.
Cause & Effect Matrix
The first situation that I may use a matrix is in the
measure phase of a Lean Six Sigma project. The matrix of choice is the Cause
& Effect Matrix. The C&E Matrix helps determine the importance of key process inputs
relative to the key customer requirements for the process. The matrix allows for a less emotional and
more consistent way to determine these relationships.
Developing a Cause and Effect Matrix
- List
the customer requirements
- Determine
the relative weight of each customer requirements
- 1 –
less important
- 10 –
more important
- List
high level process steps and inputs the inputs associated with each
- I
typically acquire this information directly from a process SIPOC
- Establish
a scale to relate process inputs to the customer requirements
- Typically
a 0, 1, 3, 9 stratification technique is used, where 0 is no relationship
and 9 is a strong relationship
- Relate
each process step and associated input to each customer requirement
- Calculate
the score for each input
- For
each individual input, multiply the relationship value in step 4 to the
relative weight in step 2. Add the
multiplied values for each customer requirement for the input.
- Order
input score from high to low value
- Establish
a cutoff value
- Typically
use a pareto for this.
- Above
the value, the input remains for further analysis
- Below
the value, it may go immediately unless there is a strong reason to keep
the input
Figure 1 shows an example Cause & Effect Matrix
Solution Prioritization Matrix
Another situation I find a matrix to be useful is in
solution selection during the improve phase of a project. The matrix I would
use at this point is the Solution Prioritization Matrix. The Solution Prioritization Matrix can help prioritize potential solutions by determining how each potential solution may relate
to the desired project outcomes. I won’t
go into the details of creation, as it is very similar to the creation of the
Cause & Effect Matrix.
Figure 2
contains an example Solution Prioritization Matrix.
|
Relative Weighting of Results
|
10
|
6
|
7
|
3
|
4
|
|
|
Desired
Outcome
|
Operating Income
|
Impact on Cycle Time
|
Quality
|
Time
to Implement
|
Ease
to Implement
|
Total
(Cross-Multiply)
|
|
Ideas
|
||||||
|
Idea
A
|
3
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
9
|
127
|
|
Idea C
|
9
|
3
|
0
|
3
|
1
|
121
|
|
Idea B
|
9
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
118
|
|
Idea F
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
9
|
9
|
84
|
|
Idea D
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
9
|
1
|
66
|
|
Idea E
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
58
|
Let me know where you have used matrices to help make decisions.
