Data collection passive approaches

To accomplish this, we must collect data. But how we collect that data is as important as the data themselves. Some data are worthless, some are priceless. The conditions and procedures used to find data ultimately determine their value. Statistical quality control (SQC), statistical process control (SPC), total quality management (TQM), and six sigma are all passive approaches to data collection. These procedures only observe and report what is happening. They cannot find the analytical cause-and-effect relationships needed for true process understanding and for controlling the sources of variability. 

However, cause-and-effect relationships in these situations are obscured by rampant variability and multiple mysterious causes. The approach is passive. Classical observational tools for industry usually include sampling plans, control charts, and process capability studies. In addition, Branning has found two of the most useful observational tools for validation and PAT are process flow charts and fishbone diagrams, which help define the process and identify the potential sources of variability. These observational tools need to be used on a routine basis to collect background data for validation and PAT. 

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