SQC Case Studies

Abstract

This chapter contains two descriptions of real projects in which a student played a major role in saving millions of dollars: the printed circuit board study and the wire harness voids study. The objectives of this chapter include: (1) providing direct evidence that the methods are widely used and associated with monetary savings and (2) challenging the reader to identify situations in which specific methods could help.

In both case studies, savings were achieved through the application of many methods described in previous chapters. Even while both case studies achieved considerable savings, the intent is not to suggest that the methods used were the only appropriate ones. Method selection is still largely an art. Conceivably, through more judicious selection of methods and additional engineering insights, greater savings could have been achieved. It is also likely that luck played a role in the successes.

The chapter also describes an exercise that readers can perform to develop practical experience with the methods and concepts. The intent is to familiarize participants with a disciplined approach to documenting, evaluating, and improving product and manufacturing approaches.