Page 362 - The Toyota Way Fieldbook
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Chapter 14. Develop a Thorough Understanding                 337



                              Fabrication Daily Units per Hour
                           140
                           120
                         Units per Hour  80                   Goal = 36
                           100

                            60
                            40
                            20
                             0
                                1  2   3  4  5   8  9  10 11 12 15 16
                                                 Date

        Figure 14-9. Chart with artificially smoothed variation due to scale


            The chart in Figure 14-10 shows the effect of smoothing by averaging daily
        data on a weekly basis. The visual impact is lessened, and the daily variability
        inherent in this process will not be seen, thus giving a false sense of stability in
        the process.


                             Fabrication Weekly Units per Hour
                            40
                            35
                         Units per Hour   30             Goal = 36
                            25
                            20
                            15
                            10
                             5
                             0
                               1/1  1/8   1/15  1/22  1/29  2/5  2/12  2/19
                                                 Week

        Figure 14-10. Chart with artificially smoothed variation by averaging

            Collecting data is an important part of the philosophy of building a culture
        to stop and fix problems, as described in Chapter 8. The greatest benefit is
        gained by recognizing problems in “real time” and correcting them immediately.
        Data used to solve problems is interpreted from the perspective of long-term
        trends and resolving “systemic” issues.

        Building a Strong Supporting Argument

        As shown in the above examples, there will be symptoms that go along with
        problems. In the case of businesses, the symptoms will be reflected in confirming
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