Using Subgroup and Sample Methods to Enter Data

This topic discusses how to maintain Quality data using subgroup and sample methods.

Page Name

Definition Name

Usage

Data Entry (Subgroup Method) Page

QS_DE_GUI_S

Enter readings for the inspection sampling for each characteristic subgroup according to subgroup.

Sample Method Page

QS_DE_GUI_I

Enter readings for the characteristic by individual units, one by one.

Enter Defects Page

QS_DFCT8B_PNL

Record defect information associated with a sample data type of defects or defectives.

You enter, maintain, and edit quality data for characteristics by using either the subgroup or sample method. Use the subgroup method to enter readings for an entire subgroup at once. Use the sample method to enter individual readings for each characteristic on one unit.

The method that you select for data collection depends on the way that you physically measure and record readings for characteristics with which you are working. While the pages are functionally equivalent, each page is optimized to enhance field navigation and input based on the type of item handling or inspection taking place.

To use the subgroup method:

  1. Enter readings for one characteristic on as many units as it takes to meet the subgroup size for the characteristic.

  2. Enter readings for the next characteristic until its subgroup size is met, and so on, until you inspect all of the characteristics for the control plan.

To use the sample method:

  1. Enter data readings for each characteristic on one unit.

  2. Enter readings for each characteristic on another unit, and so on, until you have inspected enough units to meet the subgroup size that you defined.

Use the Data Entry (Subgroup Method) page (QS_DE_GUI_S) to enter readings for the inspection sampling for each characteristic subgroup according to subgroup.

Navigation:

  • Click the New Session button on the Data Entry page From Access List or Data Entry By Control Plan pages.

  • Click the Recall Session button on the Select Pending Session or the Select Active Session pages.

The Subgroup Method pages function basically the same, whether you are entering data for a new session, maintaining data for a pending session, or editing data for a completed session. The differences in the page behavior depend on the type of task that you are performing.

To enter data for a new session:

  1. Enter data for all the characteristics for the control plan, including any defect classifications and tallies.

  2. Enter causes and actions for the alarms after the characteristics have been analyzed.

  3. Review the working chart for any characteristics.

To maintain data for a pending session:

  1. Complete the readings for any unfinished characteristics or samples for the session.

    The previously completed (analyzed) characteristics appear but cannot be changed.

  2. Enter causes and alarms.

  3. Review the working chart for any characteristic.

Note: A characteristic is considered complete after its sampling criteria has been fulfilled and analyzed. That is, subgroup results are calculated and alarm conditions evaluated. A data-entry session is considered complete after all the characteristics within the control plan have been analyzed.

To edit a completed session:

  1. Make corrections to the data that you entered for that session.

  2. Change trace fields, sample values, or defect information associated with the historical session.

  3. Change or augment any of the probable causes and corrective actions.

  4. Click the Apply button to resubmit the new readings.

  5. Quality calculates and saves the results; however, it does not evaluate or generate new alarms.

    Any prior alarm conditions remain in the database. Subgroups that are edited in this way are stamped in the database and annotated when they appear on control charts.

Characteristic

The system displays the number of characteristics associated with the control plan, such as 1 of 3 or 2 of 3.

The system uses the Control Plan field to display the number of control plans associated with a particular data entry name. For example, 1 of 1 means there is only 1 control plan associated with this data entry name.

User Input

Enter the row of data associated with the sample. The column titles that appear on the page correspond to the trace set fields associated with the control plan. If you previously defined the subgroup size, an equivalent number of detailed rows appear on the page. If you didn't define the subgroup size, which is possible for attributes-type characteristics using u, p, and np charts, enter the Sgrp size (subgroup size) on the page.

Enter the reading information for the different types of characteristics. Values are:

Value

Description

Variable

For variable data types, enter the value in the Reading field. The Enter Defects button does not appear for variable data-type characteristics.

Defect

For defect data type characteristics, select the actual defects and the number observed using the Enter Defects page. The attribute group associated with the control plan defines the defect selection lists. When you close the Enter Defects page, the defect tally is automatically placed in the Reading field. You can also enter the defect tally directly in the Reading field without accessing the Enter Defects page. What you enter on the Enter Defects page overrides what you enter directly in the Reading field on this page.

Defective

For defective data types, enter the observations in #Defectives. You also have the option of selecting any defect observations and counts on the Enter Defects page.

See Enter Defects Page.

Characteristic - Other Information

As you submit samplings for analysis, Quality evaluates the process for control violations and displays any detected alarms. Up to three alarm conditions, one for mean, variance, and specification limit violations may appear in the center of the page. In addition, the appropriate control-chart labeling and associated subgroup calculations appear on the page.

The Sample Method pages function basically the same, whether you are entering data for a new session, maintaining data for a pending session, or editing data for a completed session. The differences in the page behavior depend on the type of task that you are performing.

Note: A subgroup is considered complete after its sampling criteria is fulfilled and analyzed. That is, subgroup results are calculated and alarm conditions evaluated. A data-entry session is considered complete after all the characteristics within the control plan have been analyzed.

Control Plan Information

The system uses the Control Plan field to display the number of control plans associated with a particular data entry name. For example, 1 of 1 means there is only 1 control plan associated with this data entry name.

Traceability

Enter the traceability data associated with the sample.

The titles of the columns that appear on the page correspond to the trace set fields associated with the control plan. Depending on the definition of the trace set, there may be one or more fields that you can enter.

Sample Values

If you previously defined the subgroup size, an equivalent number of detailed rows appear on the page. If you didn't previously define the subgroup size, which is possible for attributes-type characteristics using u, p, and np charts, you can enter the Sgrp Size (subgroup size) on the page.

Enter the reading information for the different types of characteristics.

Note: The heading for the Reading field changes to represent the sample you are currently on. For example, Reading 1 lets you know you are entering data in the Reading field for the first sample.

Other Information

As you submit samplings for analysis, Quality evaluates the process for control violations and displays detected alarms. Up to three alarm conditions, one for means, variance, and specification limit violations may appear in the center of the page. In addition, the appropriate control-chart labeling and associated subgroup calculations appear on the page.

Use the Enter Defects page (QS_DFCT8B_PNL) to record defect information associated with a sample data type of defects or defectives.

Navigation:

Click the Enter Defects button found on multiple pages.

To enter a complete defect description:

  1. Select each defect component required for a complete defect description using the defect category group boxes.

    Select the Select One check box next to the correct component.

    Note: The attribute group assigned to this control plan defines the list of entries that appear in the category group boxes.

  2. Click the Add To List button.

    After you click this button, use the List group box (Location, Fault and With) to view the predefined defect category selections applicable to this control plan. Select from each component to build a completed defect description corresponding to actual observations.

  3. Enter the number of defects of this type observed in the Count field.

    Note: A defect count of zero is not valid.

To change a defect description:

  1. Select the List check box next to the defect description that you want to change that appears in the List group box.

  2. Select the correct defect component or components.

    Select the Select One check box next to the correct component.

  3. Click the Add To List button.

    When you click this button, the system overrides the values for the selected defect descriptions with the new values.