Deep KAIZEN for Quality Defects

Quality defect and rework losses are defined as:

Material wasted by producing defective products that have to be scrapped;
The time lost (less output) when reprocessing defective products that can be turned into good ones.

Some typical examples of quality defects and rework

Topping up containers outside the line when they have been under-filled;
Cleaning bottles that have become contaminated by product;
Glueing cases outside the line when they have not been sealed properly;
Re-printing lot numbers when they have not been printed properly the first time.

The 7 Steps to Zero Quality Defects and Rework

Example of P-M Analysis

Step 1 : Clarify Phenomenon

To identify exactly what a phenomenon consists of, we cannot rely on simply stratifying the data in a Pareto chart. We also need to make a careful study of the genbutsu (the actual objects and materials) that we have homed in on. In the example in Figure 1, we should observe, for instance, that there are too many process defects, that most of these are coil defects, and that voltage resistance defects are the principal cause of these coil defects. Ultimately, our close study of the genbutsu relating to the defect shows us that the windings are too thick and touch the outer case, causing the voltage resistance to fall. This is the only way we can pinpoint the problem to be solved.

Using Pareto diagram Stratification to Observe the Genbutsu

Step 2 : Do Physical Analysis of Phenomenon

Understanding the Contact point and the Principles of Processing

Our physical analysis concentrates on the points of interaction between the product and the process, and it requires a full understanding of the principles and parameters involved. We express our results in the ‘ABCD’ format, where A stands for the equipment, B stands for the product, C stands for the physical quantity involved, and D stands for the deviation in this physical quantity that brings about the phenomenon. In other words, we try to answer the question, ‘What physical quantity (C) connecting the equipment (A) and the product (B) deviates in what way (D) in order to produce the phenomenon?’ Figure below shows a physical analysis of the ‘thick windings’ phenomenon.

Physical Analysis Using ABCD Description

Step 3 : Identify Contributing Conditions

We must identify the conditions in each functional part (unit) of the machinery that bring about the phenomenon. This requires us to draw a simple sketch of the equipment mechanisms, like that in Figure 4, from which we can work out the function of each unit. Any function that affects the physical quantity (C) is a contributing condition, see Table below.

Simple Mechanism Diagram (Compact Turntable Winder)

Unit Function Investigation Table

Step 4 : Study 4-M Correlations

In Step 3, we identified the contributing conditions at the unit level. Here, we look for correlations between these conditions and the 4 Ms, by picking out every conceivable cause at the sub-assembly (primary) level and component (secondary) level (see Table below).

P-M Analysis Table

Step 5 : Revise Optimal Conditions (Standards)

Determining the optimal conditions means setting standard values we can use to judge whether a state is normal or abnormal. Chronic problems often arise at the border between the normal and abnormal zones, so we must pay particular attention to this ‘grey area’.

Step 6 : Investigate Measurement Methods

When considering measurement methods, it is important to start from the standards set at the unit level. We should choose methods that will help us to consolidate the checks required to sustain the improvements.