Abstract

The goal of quality improvement is to reduce process variation through finding and fixing root causes. Six Sigma is a tool that can aid in process improvement using statistical methods and design of experiments (DoE). One such DoE method is the Shainin method, which breaks down process variation to three or four causing factors. In a case study of the manufacturing of compact fluorescent lamps, both Six Sigma and the Shainin method are used to determine process capabilities and reduce process variation.