Identifying Manufacturing Problems with Statistics – A Tutorial Using Simulated Data And Raincloud Plots

Abstract

Engineers working in manufacturing will usually perform a routine statistical analysis to evaluate the performance of a production line. However, this article argues that such routine statistical analysis will only focus on conformity and not on developing problem-solving skills. Problem-solving skills involving statistics would lead to not only higher quality control during manufacturing processes, but also efficient problem diagnostics using manufacturing data. To encourage learning and gaining a deeper understanding of statistics, this article describes the application of raincloud plots and test of normality via a simulated case study. All analysis described in the simulated case study can be performed freely via open-source software and without programming knowledge.