Analyze Phase

Abstract

In Chapter 3, the development and documentation of project goals was discussed. Chapter 4 described the process of evaluating relevant systems, including measurement systems, before any system changes are recommended by the project team. The analyze phase involves establishing cause-and-effect relationships between system inputs and outputs.

Analyze phase methods are based on a variety of data sources and generate many types of visual information for decision-makers. Methods that can be relevant for these analyses include the design of experiments (DOE) methods covered in Part II of this book and previewed here. Also, QFD cause and effects matrices, process mapping, value-stream mapping, spaghetti diagrams, and lean methods are addressed. Note that DOE methods include steps for both analysis and development of improvement recommendations. Lean manufacturing techniques areas provide potentially powerful methods and concepts for making systems more efficient. As usual, all methods may conceivably be applied usefully in any project phase or occasion.