Page 137 - Lean six sigma demystified

116 Lean Six Sigma DemystifieD

improvements. A series of check sheets may be all you need to solve a pressing
problem. If necessary, you can implement a measurement system to collect the
data over time.
So please, don’t wait for a magical, all-encompassing measurement system to
deliver data. It’s not going to happen. And I often find it’s just an excuse to
avoid making improvements. (“I can’t because I don’t have the measurements
I need.”)
Haven’t you waited long enough to start making measurable improvements
(even if your data collection tool is just a simple check sheet)? Or are you going
to keep letting loads of cash slip through your fingers. All it takes is a check
sheet and a pencil. Get on with it.

Error Log Data Collection

Another way to collect data uses an error log. In Excel, simply open a new
workbook and enter headings for each data category (Fig. 4-9). In this case, it’s
denied charges in a hospital system. Then add a new line for each denied charge.
It won’t take long for a pattern to emerge (payment denied due to duplicate
day of service [DOS]). An improvement team should be able to solve this
problem easily.
Sometimes, these error logs get a bit more complex. To get useful data, you
will want to mistake-proof the data collection.

FIGURE 4-9 • Excel error log.