Measure Phase - Understand the process and its performance.

The measure phase of the project, as agreed by the team, included the following:

During this phase we conducted a Defect Analysis by Station. We used Measle charts as a tool to pinpoint defect location - predominant location of the kink on Cath X. Measle charts were reviewed over a 2 week period for kink defects and results confirm that kinks are predominantly found on the distal section of the catheter.

Following review of the measles chart it became apparent that a second catheter (Cath Y) was experiencing high levels of kink fallout. The team reviewed the process flow for Cath Y and it was clear that both Cath X and Cath Y undergo the same processing steps through out the Generic area, from IMH to Tip Form.
With this information the team and I agreed that it would be best to incorporate Cath Y in the scope of the project for two reasons. Firstly the volume of data which could be gathered would be more accurate and would help in identifiying potential areas of concern and secondly the over all benefit to the value stream by reducing the kinks defects across both Cath X and Cath Y would be greater.

Measles Chart



IPO Process Map

The below process map shows the five process step both catheters go through in the generic area.

The bellow images clearly shows the kink defect on both Cath X and Cath Y

The Team is now ready to move onto the next phase the Analyse Phase.