How do you verify your Lean Six Sigma project data?

1 Define your data

Before you collect any data, you need to define what type of data you need, how you will measure it, and what criteria you will use to evaluate it. You can use a data collection plan to document your data definition, sources, methods, tools, and responsibilities. You should also define your operational definitions, which are clear and consistent descriptions of how you measure your data variables. This will help you avoid ambiguity and confusion among your team and stakeholders.

2 Collect your data

Once you have defined your data, you need to collect it from your process or system. You should use appropriate data collection tools, such as check sheets, surveys, forms, or software, to record your data accurately and efficiently. You should also follow the sampling methods and frequency that you specified in your data collection plan. You should avoid collecting too much or too little data, as this can affect your analysis and results.

3 Validate your data

After you have collected your data, you need to validate it to ensure that it meets your quality standards and expectations. You can use various validation techniques, such as data screening, data auditing, or data verification, to check your data for errors, inconsistencies, or outliers. You should also compare your data with your operational definitions and criteria, and make sure that your data is relevant, complete, and representative of your process or system.

4 Analyze your data

Once you have validated your data, you need to analyze it to identify patterns, trends, relationships, or differences in your process or system. You can use various data analysis tools, such as charts, graphs, statistics, or tests, to display and interpret your data. You should also use the appropriate level of data analysis, such as descriptive, inferential, or predictive, depending on your project objectives and questions.

5 Present your data

After you have analyzed your data, you need to present it to your team and stakeholders in a clear and concise way. You can use various data presentation tools, such as reports, dashboards, or slides, to communicate your data findings and recommendations. You should also use the appropriate format and style of data presentation, such as tables, figures, or text, depending on your audience and purpose.

6 Review your data

Finally, you need to review your data to ensure that it is accurate, valid, and reliable throughout your project. You can use various data review tools, such as feedback, audits, or control charts, to monitor and evaluate your data quality and performance. You should also update and revise your data as needed, based on your project changes or improvements.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?