Quality Circle Forum of India

presents

- simplified

NEW SEVEN TOOLS

& PRIORITIZATION ANYLYSIS

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Matrix Diagram

What is Matrix Diagram?

A Matrix Diagram consists of a number of columns and rows whose intersections are checked up, to find out the nature and strength of the problem which help us to arrive at key ideas and analyzing the relationship or its absence at the intersection and finding an effective way of pursuing the problem solving method. This enables conception of ideas on two dimensional relationship basis. The intersection points are also called idea conception points.

When we are interested in finding out logical relationship between two or more number of points or items, a Matrix Diagram can help us.

How do I find a logical relationship among the data I have?

We do this by collecting large number of information which may be pertaining to any aspect and put them in an appropriate Matrix Diagram.

Thanks to the Matrix diagram I am able to know the logical relationship among the data I had collected.

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This diagram will bring out in which aspect each set is related, their strength and the type of influence they have.

Among the new seven tools Matrix Diagram is more popular and widely used. It is a versatile one. Matrix Diagram is fifth in the list of new seven tools.

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I AM THE MOST POPULAR TOOL BECAUSE I AM ABSOLUTELY VERSATILE AND THEREFORE WIDELY USED.

Affinity Diagram and Relations Diagram help us to find out the complexity of the problems and arrive at a clarity.

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Tree Diagram and Matrix Diagram helps us to find out the details and strength of various aspects of a problem which will help to workout the strategies for solving them.

MAN THINKING DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE PROBLEM

Matrix Diagram helps us to have multidimensional thinking about the problem.

Here we organize large amount of information such as characteristics, functions, tasks as set of information to be compared.

This we do by placing a set of information in the vertical line and the other set of information in a horizontal line and using the Matrix intersection point to indicate the finding of an idea.

Bead Defect

Carcass Defect

Tread Defect

Very Serious Serious Occasional

Truck Tyre

Light Truck

Passenger
Earth Mover

As shown above Matrix Diagram uses symbols which are easily understood to indicate the strength of relationship between two aspects compared.

Bead Defect

Carcass Defect

Tread Defect

Very Serious Serious Occasional

Truck Tyre

Light Truck Passenger Earth Mover

The symbols are shown at the intersecting points between two aspects compared. For example, in the above drawing when Truck Tyre is compared with the Bead Defect it is showing that the problem is very serious. Similarly, it is compared with other types of defects also.

A number of items to be arranged logically

In this way we are able to establish the logical connection between two or more items.

Through these diagram we can show which are the two items compared and also show the strength of relationship and in which direction the influence leads.

A logical connection obtained between all the items

Bank items

Sports items

Gambling items

Pest control items

Why is he banging his head against the wall?

He has again lost money in shares

Problem Solving calls for effective use of our experiences. When you make a Matrix Diagram using verbal information collected, based on experience they can be more effectively used than even numerical data.

STOCK MARKET

Through this we can explain the relationship among various aspects which help us to have clarity of the situation.

Our managing Director wants to put up a car plant. He would like us to study the demand position.

For example we want to manufacture a product. When we are planning for it, we tend to think about either market situation or problem involved in making the product.

Check up the market requirement, and a competitive price that can be fixed

In all areas, product is generally compared to the market situation.

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I help in finding the relationship amongst these three areas.

We may overlook the relationship between manufacturing and marketing. Through a Matrix Diagram we can look into inter-relationship amongst all the three areas. i.e, product, manufacturing process and market condition.

Thanks to the Matrix Diagram now I know what is the problem

* to clarify the relationship between different elements of the circumstances and to make it clear about the overall structure of the problem.

Affinity Diagram Relations Diagram Matrix Diagam PDPC Arrow Diagram Matrix Data A Tree Diagram

* to find out the locations of the problem clearly by combining various types of diagrams

Blah Blah Blah

Blah Blah Blah

* to employ verbal data more effectively, to explain the problem.

 to establish ideas conceived for the development and improvement of product system

IDEA

IMPROVED PRODUCT

I want 100% quality approval from the lab before any raw material is purchased

to chart quality deployment in product materials

 to establish ISO 9000 certification system by linking quality with various levels of central functions

ISO 9000

Why doesnt this fool draw a matrix diagram for Quality evaluation?

OH GOD! This car breaks down every second day, has a flat at least thrice a weak and gives me only 4 kms a litre! What should I do?

to reinforce and improve the efficiency of the quality evaluation system.

What do all you manufacturers think of yourselves? You dont follow any norms while making me and expect me to run according to your wishes!NO WAY!!!After this experience I am sure you will draw a matrix diagram to analyse the non conformances in your manufacturing process.

I want you to go to the market and find out the public response to our product. This job should be done according to the strategies planned by the matrix diagram that we made.

to establish strategies to find out market view on product mix

LOGISTICS

MANUFACTURING

PROCUREMENT

MARKETING

to know when new ideas are needed for new product development or for existing product improvement.

On the Shelf look

After six months of being purchased

We have to do something to improve the on road performance of our car

Let us draw a matrix diagram to find out why the quality of our product is falling down

to compare the systems and procedure with the product quality level

I get banged as line gets disconnected every time they use me

I get treated well as my company has better control function to ensure proper quality

Phone of Company A

Phone of Company B

to show the relations between required quality level and control functions established

I have to take all this data to my Dads office. There all the QC members will do cumulative numerical comparison of this data by making a matrix diagram.

where we need cumulative numerical data for comparison of one to another or many.

 to prioritize among the many tasks given by comparison

 to compare a particular activity, which is needed to be done either for statutory reasons or for major decisions, with other activities for finding out the effect.

Examples of Matrix Diagram

A small organization is working out the responsibilities for the people employed by them.

Matrix for Work Breakup

DUTIES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9.

Das

Vasun dhara

Sanjay

Balaji

Kelkar

Madhu

Accounting Correspondence Publication work Preparing course materials Stationery and other packing Membership activities Bank visits Mail Handling Posting and other outdoor works House Keeping Travel arrangements Workshop follow up

Primary responsibility

Secondary

On Emergency

10 11 12

Problem Solving Techniques are to be learned systematically by Quality Circle members. To make their task easier QCFI has prepared a Matrix Diagram Showing which techniques are useful at various levels of problem solving process.

Ability of problem solving depends upon the use of the appropriate techniques as and when needed.
Histogram Data Collection Pareto Diagaram C&E Diagaram Scatter Diagaram Stratification Flow Diagram
Brain Storming

Graphs

No.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Suggested Steps For Problem Solving

Identification of work related problems Selection of problem Define the problem Analyse the problem Identification of causes Finding out the root causes Data analysis Developing solution Foreseeing problem of resistance Trial implementation & check performance Regular implementation Follow up/review REGULAR USE

OCCASIONAL USE

Control Chart

QCFI is conducting programmes on various quality related subjects. It has worked out its yearly plan for training. The programmes are of three types.
Implementation and follow up Intensive training Awareness

Similarly responsibilities for the programmes are given to various associated people with the forum

Primary responsibility Secondary responsibility Incase of emergency

Dr. A.K.S Dr. T.K.C. Mr. C.S.R. Mr. B.B. Mr. R.S.

Problem solving techniques Quality impro-

Mr. N.S.
Mr. K.G. Mr. S.K.V. Mr. B.S. Mr. V.N. Co-ordinators
COURSES

Business process Reengg.

Poka Yoke

ISO 14000

ISO 9000

vement teams

Bench Marking

Quality Circles

SMED

Five S

TPM

Company A Company B Company C Company D Company E Company F

Company G
Company H Company I

QFD

JIT

These are various types of Matrix Diagrams viz. a) L Shape Matrix Diagram b) T c) Y d) X e) C

L Shaped Matrix Diagram

This is the most common type.

Example 1
A tyre manufacturing company was facing certain process defects. They were interested in knowing the predominant defects of each group of tyres. They prepared a L Matrix diagram to find that out .

 Very Serious
Bead defect

Serious Carcass defect

Not so serious Tread defect Curing defect

Truck Tyre L.T. Tyre Passenger M.C./ Scooter

ADV Tyre
Earth Mover

This gives an idea about the situation and where to pay attention. We normally use numerical data as information. But numerical data can many times be deceptive. Let us use numerical data for the same example.

Bead defect Truck Tyre 1.3

Carcass defect 0.7

Tread defect 0.2

Curing defect 0.3

L.T. Tyre Pasenger Tyre Scooter/ M.C. Tyre ADV Tyre Earth Mover Tyre

0.9 1.5 3.2

0.2 0.2 2.8

1.2 0.4 ---

2.3 0.6 1.2

2.5 0.2

1.1 ---

4.2 1.2

1.6 ---

This will make us feel that scooter tyres are having more bead problem followed by ADV Tyres. Similarly, in curing problem L.T.tyres followed by ADV types. In case of Tread problem it is ADV tyres followed by LT tyres and in case of carcass problem scooter tyres followed by ADV tyres.

But, if we take volume of production, cost of tyres, severity of the problem etc. the picture will be different. That is what was shown in the first diagram with symbols. If we give all information the result will be confusing.

Kindly spare me all the details and get to the point.

As far as senior management is concerned, they need not know all the details. They need to know only the final information. If they need any details about any particular problem it can always be given.

T Shaped Matrix
Matrix Diagram can show the relationship between two sets of information. Only C Matrix Diagram can show the relationship between three items. Normally when we compare two sets of information Matrix Diagram is maximum used. Sometime we would like to compare two sets of information with a basic factor. In such cases T Matrix Diagram can be used.

T Shaped Matrix

a
1 2

A B C D

3
4

3 2

Here we can show direct relationship between 1,2,3, & 4 and A, B, C, & D and similarly between 1,2,3, & 4 with a,b,c, and d. Suppose we want to know whether any relationship exists, between A, B, C, and D and a, b, c, and d we can infer it from this type of Diagram.

We have taken up a problem from a tyre company to illustrate T matrix diagram. The company was facing various process defects and was interested in getting a proper picture on them to take further necessary action. A T Matrix Diagram was made to show the picture which is shown below.

Here you can see types of problems and possible causes are compared on the left side. The causes which are considered for a particular problem is indicated by symbols as ( most likely causes, ) (O) possible causes and () occasional causes.

On the right side the defects are compared with the groups of tyres. Here which group is affected by what defects are shown in symbols as ( main ) defects (O) secondary defects and () occasional defects.

This gives them a comprehensive picture about the situations so that an action plan can be prepared to tackle them.

Tractor Rear Tyre A.D.V. Tyre Scooter/M.Cycle Tyre Passenger Tyre Light Truck Tyre Truck Tyre

Tread separation Chipped Tread Lumpy Tread Light Tread

Light Side wall

Open Splice Pulled Bead Flow Crack

Kinkad Bead Rounded Bead

Buckled Bead

Problems
Lack of stock Trapped Air Compound Problem Wet Paint Lack of Paint Blooming Tight carcass Curing Problem Sharp Edges Ply Angle Moisture Drum Set Turn up Problem Less Lubricant Shaping Pressure

Blistered Side wall

Defects

Y shaped Matrix Diagram

We saw in T shaped Matrix Diagram, out of three sets of information only two sets could be compared with the third one i.e., we could compare A B C and D with 1, 2, 3, and 4 and also a, b, c, and d with 1, 2, 3 and 4. But the relationship between A B C and D and a, b, c and d could only be inferred.

Look at the Y shaped Matrix Diagram shown below

4

3 2

As you can see in a Y shaped Matrix Diagram, it is possible to compare all the three sets of information against one another. In other words besides the earlier two comparisons we can also compare the relationship between A, B, C and D with a b c and d. However, at a given time, you can only compare two sets of information.

For example, the tyre company was facing problem in their calendering (roller machine) department. They made a Y shaped matrix as shown here.

PROBLEM
M/C Oiling

Stock Problem

Roll Tension

TYPES OF DEFECT

PRODUCT TYPES

With this they could find out

a) Which problem is causing what kind of defects? b) Which product is having what kind of defects?
c) Which problem caused by which product?

C Shaped Matrix Diagram

The C shaped Matrix Diagram helps to find out the inter relationship between three sets of information simultaneously. Even though it is a very powerful tool the usage is minimum due to various reasons such as a) It is not possible to make them in the normal way. We invariably need a computer software and trained people to use this system. b) Where sophisticated techniques like design of experiment, multivariate analysis are used this diagram can be used. c) It is meant for special tests and not for common persons.

C Type Matrix Diagram, as you can see, uses a similar type of diagram used by Y shape Matrix Diagram. But the similarity ends there. It calls for looking into them to find a three dimensional view.

C B

Cubic Type Matrix

The main feature of this cubic type of matrix is the point of conception of the idea which is determined by three aspects in three dimensional space as shown.

X Shaped Matrix Diagram

This Matrix Diagram is nothing but an extension of T Matrix Diagram. Here we will be able to show four sets of information. But only two sets of information can be compared.

C B

4 3 2 1

a b

A
A B

C D

Here we are able to compare

1) 1,2,3, and 4 with a, b, c, and d 2) 1,2,3, and 4 with A, B, C and D 3) A, B, C and D, with a, b, c and d 4) A, B, C and D with A, B, C and D

The inter-relationship between A, B, C and D with a, b, c and d can only be inferred. Similarly inter relationship between 1,2,3 and 4 with A B C and D also can be inferred.

Let us see a practical example

Making Type
Type C

Operators
Kamath Mishra

Alva

Type B Type A

Making Problem

Stock Role M/C Tension Problem Oiling

Bare Fabric
Crushed Fabric

FM

Type of Defects

Our findings from the Diagram are

a) Roll tension is responsible for high level of bare fabric and also stock problem contributing to some extent. b) Crushed fabric was mainly due to stock problem and M/c oiling (lack of). c) More bare fabric is found when operators Kamath and Mishra were operating. d) Similarly F M also found more when they were operating. Alva is able to operate more competently than them. e) Crushed fabric was found equal in all their shifts.

Our findings from the Diagram are

Kamath seems to be having more problem in handling Type A material and similarly Alva was having problem when handling Type B material. g) Roll tension had more effect on tyre A and tyre B fabric h) Lack of Machine oiling had more effect as Type B and C. f)

Use of Tree Diagram with L Type Matrix Diagram

As we mentioned initially Affinity Diagram and inter-relationship Diagram helps us to find out the complexity of the problems and arrive at clarity. Tree Diagram and Matrix Diagram help us to find out the details and strength of various aspects of a problem which will help us to workout the strategies for solving them. They can be used in the combination as shown :

Supervision

Mechanic

Workmen

Manager

Theoretical Training Skill Development

Prodn. loss due to M/c breackdown

Breakdown Maintenance

Better Tools SMED Education

--Coordination
Preventive Maintenance Better Checklist

Purchase

Trainer

How to make a Matrix Diagram?

Making of a Matrix Diagram is not a very difficult process. All we need to know is a) Which type will suit in the given condition b) How to decide the severity i.e. use of symbols to indicate the level of importance.

Step 1
Select the important aspects involved for the given problem. When we have a list of options, we should know or arrive at it in a systematic way by analysing the important issues.

For this we may ask few questions as follows:a) Which department or group is responsible for implementation ?
b) What should be the basis for determining the importance? (i.e., refer to Prioritization Analysis wherein it is explained how to select the important criteria for the given problem). c) What will be the effect of implementing any decision on the existing system?

Step 2
Form a group, in case of quality circle, it is already having a group. But quality circles seldom use Matrix Diagrams. They use numerical data instead of symbols and the problems are not generally expected to be very severe to analyse using verbal data.

Medium tyres

Kiran

Bead

Pulled Light Defects Tread Chipped Flow crack Blistered

Sidewall

Alva

Kinked

Rajgopal Earth Mover

Makrand Passenger

Tr. Prakash Front

Ayakad Truck

ADV

L.T

Heavy tyres

Farm tyres

Similarly it can be made with TREE Diagram on both the sides.

Tyres

In case of Quality Improvement Teams a group has to be decided. The analysis done on step 1 will help to decide the type of team to be assembled. The people who will be involved in the actual task are to be involved in this Matrix preparation.

Step 3
Now decide what type of a matrix is to be used for the problem. You should check up the step 1 to find out how many key aspects for implementation are considered. Once we know that the next step is easy

a. For two sets of information

- L type Matrix Diagram

b. For three sets of information - T type Matrix Diagram c. For three set of information which are three in pairs to be compared - Y type Matrix Diagram d. For three sets of information where all are to be simultaneously compared - C type Matrix Diagram e. For four sets of information where two at a time are to be compared

- X type Matrix diagram

I am fed up with this problem. Only the marketing department will be able to give a solution

Since the team formed consists of people who are involved with the problem, types of information to be gathered for comparisons also is to be decided upon by them.

Step 4
Decision on the symbols to be used. There is no fixed rule for this, but one should realize that the use of standard symbols do not create confusion and helps to avoid unnecessary detailed explanation. But whatever may be the case, along with the drawing, we should show on the side an interpretation for the symbols. Interpretations should reveal the basis and we should also be able to quantify the position using those symbols.

As stated earlier symbols indicate Strength of Relationship indicates high level

indicates medium level

indicates influence. weak or possibility of its

This can show whether the relationship is positive or negative with the marking of + or along with them () + = Positive strong relation (O) - = Negative strong relation and so on.

We can also indicate the inter relationship i.e. which one is cause and which one is effect with the help of arrows. As explained in interrelationship diagraph.

CAUSE

EFFECT

Arrow head direction indicates which one is effect and which is the cause creating it.

After going through all your reports I think you will have to undergo surgery

When we compare two sets of information we invariably check up the strength of relationship, severity of the issue and also for indicating the level of responsibility.

The symbols are used to show the level of responsibilities as follows:Primary responsibilities Secondary responsibilities Just for information or in case of emergency or special need. Group should decide at what level each symbol is applicable. Numerical data, where used, can be converted with the symbols whenever needed.

Step 5
Select the right type of matrix, indicate as per the levels by symbol and complete the matrix diagraph and checkup for accuracy by reviewing the diagram thoroughly.

Summary
Here you have seen various types of matrixes available for comparison of two or more number of items. It is very difficult to judge by simple observation of items separately without doing the required comparison for any decision making. We normally use L Matrix Diagram for numerical data. Now we can do analysis of verbal data with these Matrixes. Through this we can learn to prioritise tasks and also to decide the responsibilities of the individuals involved. We will see the use of Matrix Diagram in Matrix Data Analysis and in Prioritisation Analysis.