The group learned which pleater parts could contribute to product variance. Now they know that the closer to the zero baseline setting they run, the better off they are. In addition, pleater operators now record how, when and why they have adjusted their machines. Valverde-Ventura also added a Cuscore monitoring chart to detect the smallest changes in the stripe's width. In all, the DOE revealed nearly 60 variables per machine, and helped the team identify six key variables the Middleton plant needs to control.
Improvements are ongoing.
This has helped us realize how valuable the quality engineering body of knowledge can be in the workplace.