01 · Purpose
Why and when to use it
Use it before assigning observers or exporting records, especially when several measures and teams are involved.
Who takes part?
The measurement owner works with people who understand the process and the recorded data. Statistical or measurement-system decisions should involve someone able to check the assumptions and study design.
02 · Application
How to apply it
Start with an agreed measurement purpose, explicit units and trustworthy observations. Identify missing cases and assumptions before calculating.
- State the measurement question and required output measures.
- Link each measure to an operational definition and source.
- Specify eligible cases, sampling, period and context fields.
- Assign collectors, validation responsibilities and review dates.
- Pilot the plan, resolve ambiguities and record any later changes.
03 · Example
A worked measurement example
Original fictional teaching example. Small datasets illustrate the method; they are not proposed as sufficient study sizes. Supplied parameters are assumptions, not estimates from a real process.
| Measure | Collection arrangement | Quality check |
|---|---|---|
| Late dispatch percentage | All eligible orders over four weeks; analyst extracts event records | Validate timestamp meaning and missing cases |
| Packing duration | Random observations on both shifts; trained observers | Trial start/end rules and observer agreement |
| Order accuracy | Independent audit sample; quality lead | Use explicit defect definitions and record denominator |
04 · Interpretation
What the result tells you
The plan connects “what we need to know” with “how we will know it”. Different measures can require different sources and sampling designs.
Completion check: An agreed and trialled collection plan with responsibilities and validation checks.
05 · Judgement
Mistakes and limitations
Avoid copying a plan from another process without testing definitions. A plan does not guarantee representativeness, access or measurement reliability; confirm these before execution.
07 · Reading
Sources and further reading
The tool list follows the accepted LeanTrainingLab overview and its reference to Six Sigma+Lean Toolset, second edition (Lunau, editor; Springer, 2013). The book chapters were not available for direct review during this build. Explanations, examples and worksheets are original teaching material. Further reading supplies professional background; local conventions are stated explicitly.