ICPSU684C
Determine and improve process capability

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to process capability, which is a statistical concept that allows a practitioner to assess required performance against the actual (as distinct from design) capability of the process.

Application

This unit would apply to a manager or technical expert support person. Process capability is typically calculated using standard deviations.

In a typical scenario a manager (who may have as a job title section leader, production manager or similar) will be responsible for developing plans to improve process capability and following agreement the implementation of the plans to improve process capability. This unit comes from the Competitive Manufacturing Initiative group of competency standards.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Obtain data for process capability study

1.1. Identify the process requiring capability analysis

1.2. Obtain process capability data

2. Analyse data

2.1. Identify causes of systematic variation in liaison with relevant personnel

2.2. Develop solutions to eliminate/minimise systematic variation in liaison with relevant people

3. Take action to improve process capability

3.1. Develop plans to implement solutions

3.2. Liaise with relevant people to implement solutions

3.3. Gain necessary approvals as required

3.4. Monitor implementation and make adjustments as required

3.5. Determine new/revised process capability

3.6. Implement revised process capability regime

Required Skills

Required knowledge

mathematical

statistical methods

communication

negotiation

planning

analysis

problem solving

teamwork

computer operation

data collection methods

data processing techniques

variability and normal distribution

three sigma or six sigma processes as relevant

random and non-random results - recognition of assignable causes

causes of different types of non-random results

causes of random variation

process understanding sufficient to translate the data into variations in the process and determine methods of controlling them

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

the manager should be able to implement and review a process capability system and make improvements to the process using process capability as a tool. Evidence should be available of the conducting of process capability studies, the improvement to process capability as a result of these studies and the implementation of a revised process capability regime

one complex project or several simpler projects will be needed to gain sufficient evidence.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

assessment needs to occur in an organisation using process capability as a tool for process monitoring and improvement. It may also be assessed using a suitable project

access to an organisation using process capability.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICPSU583C Troubleshoot and optimise the production process.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Six sigma may include:

a vision of quality which equates to only 3.4 defects per million opportunities for each product or service transaction

six sigma is a statistical tool for recording defects and determining capability. Six sigma is also used as a general term covering a competitive manufacturing approach.

Three sigma may include:

traditional statistical process control uses three sigma limits which equates to 3 defects per thousand opportunities for each product or service transaction.

Procedures may include:

procedures includes all work instructions, standard operating procedures, formulas/recipes, batch sheets, temporary instructions and similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant. They may be written, oral, computer-based or in some other form.

for the purposes of this Training Package, procedures also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (eg Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Responsible Care) and government regulations.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Support


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.