Predictive Measurements: A View from 30,000 Feet

What Can We See from 30,000 Feet?

If you have flown on a journey of any reasonable length, no doubt your aircraft has climbed to a flight level of 30,000 feet or higher. This is a space where aircraft operate at their highest efficiency. Putting aside an aerodynamics discussion, from the cabin the view can be quiet spectacular. As the scenic landmarks pass away below, passengers are typically mesmerized by the view they are taking in. It’s all encompassing. However, one of the more important views offered at that altitude is mostly seen by the pilots, and it is for the safe operation of the aircraft. That view is of thunderstorms. Besides using advanced radar equipment, the pilots get a long range and accurate view of storms in their flight path. This view allows the pilots to make decisions and adjustments to the route of the aircraft to ensure a safe flight.

Predictive Measurements from 30,000 Feet

The benefits of a view from 30,000 feet in Six Sigma is crucial. The chart provides a means to create a predictive measurement statement, which quantifies what internal or external customers of a process are experiencing over time. Much like the view from an aircraft at 30,000 feet, it allows for timely process adjustments to be made in a timely manner. The metrics will allow flexible response to the natural peaks and valleys of a process. The results of the adjustments can also been seen and interpreted and provide further input to their effectiveness. The 30,000-foot-level chart tracks the impact that this and other process inputs have on the response output.

The Benefits of a View from 30,000 Feet

The view from a cockpit at 30,000 feet is a significant advantage to the pilots as they streak across continents and bodies of water. It allows them ample time to respond and adjust to situations that could present a danger to their flight operations. The 30,000 foot level report with predictive measurements offers the same advantages to a business. It creates a situational advantage for the business to respond to changes in their processes and see how those changes impact the outcomes.