01 · Purpose
Why and when to use it
Use it before relying on a convenient system extract or deciding to collect fresh observations.
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.
- Specify the measurement and required record fields.
- Identify candidate systems, logs and direct observations.
- Ask how each field is produced and changed.
- Check coverage, timing, access, traceability and missingness.
- Compare a sample with actual process events and document the selected source.
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.
| Candidate source | Useful information | Check before use |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse scan log | Scan event and order identifier | Does the final scan mean carrier handover or only packing? |
| Carrier manifest | Accepted shipment date | Can all shipments be linked to eligible orders? |
| Manual observation | Actual physical handover | Can both shifts and peak periods be covered? |
04 · Interpretation
What the result tells you
A timestamp named “dispatch” is not automatically a handover timestamp. Validate its meaning against observed events.
Completion check: A documented source decision with field meanings, coverage and validation findings.
05 · Judgement
Mistakes and limitations
Existing records may have been designed for billing rather than measurement. Access only necessary fields and follow the organisation’s retention and access arrangements.
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.