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X-Rayted Files: What’s That Noise? Is it Your Data?

We are in the era of data—big data—and that should be a good thing. But the sheer volume of data we are collecting can be overwhelming; its meaning and usefulness can become a burden, just more noise. All data is noise until it can be contextualized into actionable information. From that perspective, our goal with data collection should be to reduce the noise and organize data in ways that generate meaningful information that can be used to improve our processes. As manufacturing evolves further toward an Industry 4.0 future, here is a quiz to gauge where your organization stands in terms of making meaningful impacts with your data. Each answer is given a point value; at the end of the quiz, add up your points.

1. How is your inspection data collected? Manually (1 point), Automated (2 points)

Manual data collection can be cumbersome and time consuming. Automated data collection is far more efficient, though we must beware that the volume of data can generate a lot of noise if we aren’t selective.

2. Do you use statistical process control (SPC)? No (1 point), Yes (2 points)

SPC is a great approach to preempting manufacturing issues and addressing them promptly should they crop up. Those who implement SPC experience less rework and far less scrap.

3. Is your SPC online or offline? No SPC (0 points), Offline (1 point), Online (2 points)

Online SPC results in faster response to potential issues. Addressing problems early results in reduced waste.

4. Is all data from your production line available in one central location? No (1 point), Yes (2 points)

Centralizing your data-gathering is efficient and helps identify correlations of data from one piece of equipment to another.

5. Is data currently being used to diagnose issues in your manufacturing line? No (1 point), Yes (2 points)

This is the real power of data. Again, when data is gathered and filtered with the goal of generating actionable information that influences process, it produces efficiencies that are otherwise only attained through luck—and we know what a risky strategy that can be.

6. Is diagnosis of the line automated or manual? Manual (1 point), Automated (2 points)

The adage “time is money” was never truer than when you identify manufacturing issues early and address them immediately.

7. Are adjustments to manufacturing process that result from data analysis automated or manual? Manual (1 point), Automated (2 points)

Automating data collection, analysis, decision-making, and implementation results in maximum efficiency and minimum waste.

8. From cleaning to final inspection, is all data collected on the line available in an easy-to-read dashboard? No (1 point), Yes (2 points)

Visualizing data in a dashboard is another opportunity to identify meaningful relationships between equipment on your manufacturing line.

9. Is the data from other departments integrated with manufacturing data? No (1 point), Yes (2 points)

Combining data from other departments, such as sales and purchasing, can further support decision-making and efficiency.

10. Is data presentation tailored to its intended audience? No (1 point), Yes (2 points)

Data that is relevant to managers, for example, differs from what may be relevant in the C-suit. Tailoring data to its recipients is a great way to reduce noise and improve decision making.

Score Chart:

• 10-13: Don’t beat yourself up, but perhaps use this as a wake-up call.
• 14-16: You are on the right track, but there are still some efficiencies to be had.
• 17-20: Wow, you’re leading your industry in best practices. Great work!

Collecting and organizing data can be as daunting as it is useful. Thinking strategically about your data, with a focus on making it meaningful and actionable, is important to staying competitive in modern manufacturing. In a recent conversation with Philip Stoten, he remarked on a future of “data haves and have-nots.” I hope this quiz helps you ensure that you land amongst the former rather than the latter.