Question

Honda uses statistical process control to monitor and improve a variety of processes. Employees collect data, and then analyze it using statistical process control charts. They can make adjustments if needed. The statistical process control charts enable workers to understand precisely how processes are working and anticipate problems before they occur. One interesting use is in monitoring the effort required to close a door. Honda monitors the speed of the door required to make it latch by using a special device that measures door speed in mph. A technician closes the door repeatedly, using different amounts of force, to determine the speed required to make it latch. Data are collected and plotted on an X-bar chart. Why are these data collected? What is the importance, from a quality standpoint, of knowing the door closing speed ?

Answer 1

The practice of collecting door speed data required to latch the door completely is an industry-wide process followed by all the car manufacturers. This practice is considered important because of the factors which are stated below,

• The customer comes into contact with the car for the first time through the door. Hence, the first impression of the car by the customer is formed by the quality of the door and efforts it required to completely latch the door.
• The sound it makes, the force required to completely latch the door, the speed it requires to latch the door completely are some factor which depicts the quality of the engineering of the car. Hence, Car manufacturers use door speed data to effectively set the speed required to latch the door which will give customers a better feel of the Car.
• Many governments have regulations for car manufacturers in terms of door speed and pressure created while closing the door. Car manufacturers need to comply with those regulations hence the need to monitor the door speed data.

Above are the reasons for monitoring the car door speed data by car manufacturers.