Operational Definitions

for consistent data

Why and when to use your

Operational Definitions template

One of the most costly mistakes that you can make in a lean six sigma project is when Jack collects data one way, and Jill interprets it another way.

Use your Operational Definitions template (Op_Def.xlsx) to ensure that everyone collects and interprets data in a consistent way.

Your team leader might make use of your Operational Definitions template when using many of your other Lean Six Sigma tools, such as...

 

---

How to use your

Operational Definitions template

Find and open your template

Save your working document

following the usual document storage and naming conventions established by your leaders

Open a Blank Sheet

Rename your new sheet

Or... Insert Sheet

As an alternative to opening a stand-alone document (as instructed above), you also have the option to Insert Sheet into any other Excel workbook.

If English is not your preferred language

Switch to your language, just like every Systems2win Excel template.

---

Now your team is ready to start defining your

Operational Definitions

Step 1) Succinctly define what we are trying to measure

Often, this wording will be identical to the wording found in the Metrics in the Measurement Assessment Tree.

Step 2) List the Stratification Factors

Step 3) Provide a clear and concise Operational Definition of the measure

Exactly what constitutes a defect?

Step 4) Define what the measure isn't

Step 6) Create data collection forms and mistake-proofing aids

And complete the rest of the columns as explained in the sample data.

Step 7) Test

Have people who were not involved in writing the Operational Definitions use them to collect data.

Observe, and notice sources of confusion.

Step 8) Improve the Operational Definition

Improve based on feedback and observations.

---

This Operational Definitions template comes with many other useful Lean Six Sigma tools

 

 

to empower every team member to improve every process

---