Content by William A. Levinson
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Mon, 11/29/2021 - 12:03
Shigeo Shingo was able to summarize entire concepts in single phrases, such as “paint parts, not air.” This meant that paint which misses parts in a spray booth constitutes wasted material and also an environmental aspect. “Ship product, not air”…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/levinson-640_12.jpg)
Thu, 10/21/2021 - 12:03
Luddism is, as depicted by Henry Ford, “...the theory that there is only so much work in the world to do and it must be strung out.”1 This dysfunctional paradigm is shared today by otherwise highly capable people such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/warranty-640_0.jpg)
Wed, 09/29/2021 - 12:03
This article contends that we should replace “quality” with “value” to address an enormous array of previously unaddressed risks and opportunities. Poor quality is only one of the Toyota Production System’s seven wastes, and it is rarely the most…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/levinson-2-640_0.jpg)
Tue, 08/24/2021 - 12:03
Part one of this article showed that it is possible, by means of a Visual Basic for Applications program in Microsoft Excel, to calculate the fraction of in-specification product that is rejected by a non-capable gage, as well as the fraction of…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/levinson-1-640_0.jpg)
Mon, 08/23/2021 - 12:03
IATF 16949:2016 clause 7.1.5.1.1 requires measurement systems analysis (MSA) to quantify gage and instrument variation. The deliverables of the generally accepted procedure are the repeatability or equipment variation, and the reproducibility or…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/gage2-640_0.jpg)
Mon, 07/12/2021 - 12:03
The first part of this series introduced measurement systems analysis for attribute data, or attribute agreement analysis. AIAG1 provides a comprehensive overview, and Jd Marhevko2 has done an outstanding job of extending it to judgment inspections…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/gage-640_0.jpg)
Wed, 06/30/2021 - 12:03
Measurement systems analysis (MSA) for attributes, or attribute agreement analysis, is a lot like eating broccoli or Brussels sprouts. We must often do things we don't like because they are necessary or good for us. While IATF 16949:2016, Clause 7.1…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/reshore-640_0.jpg)
Mon, 04/26/2021 - 12:03
The current national controversy over the need for a mandatory high minimum wage is but a symptom of a much larger underlying problem: the offshoring of American manufacturing capability.
Offshoring ruined Spain and Portugal during the 16th century…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/zero-640.jpg)
Mon, 03/15/2021 - 13:03
Traditional statistical methods for computing the process performance index (Ppk) and control limits for process-control purposes assume that measurements are available for all items or parts. If, however, the critical-to-quality (CTQ)…![](/sites/default/files/editorial_images/levinson-640_10.jpg)
Thu, 08/20/2020 - 12:03
Face masks and respirators may well offer the only way to return to an even remotely normal living and working style in the second half of 2020, which means they will play a vital role in any kind of economic recovery. This article’s purpose is to…