Creating a simulation environment
Prerequisites
- Access to the Management > Process simulation (SP005) menu.
- Configured measurement unit.
Introduction
By means of an environment simulation, it is possible to perform quick data collections in order to run small tests before production starts.
Simulations are only possible with characteristics of the variable type.
See the steps for performing this operation:
Creating a simulation environment
1. Access the Management > Process simulation (SP005) menu.
2. Click on the 
button.
3. On the simulation data screen, enter an ID # and a name.
4. In the Configuration tab, fill in the required fields: # of readings, # of samples, Limits, Decimal places, Measurement unit, Nominal value, Upper tol., and Lower tol..
Additional information about record fields
-
Limits: select the limit type for the specifications:
- Bilateral: will define the upper and lower limits of the specification.
- Unilateral up: will define only the upper limit of the specification.
- Unilateral down: will define only the lower limit of the specification.
-
Nominal value: enter the expected value for the variable characteristic.
-
Upper tol.: enter the acceptable value, above the nominal value, for the process to be considered under statistical control. Through this tolerance, the system automatically calculates the USL - Upper specification limit for the characteristic.
- Lower tol.: enter the acceptable value, below the nominal value, for the process to be considered under statistical control. Through this tolerance, the system automatically calculates the LSL - Lower specification limit for the characteristic.
Check the Edit simulation after saving option so that the simulation environment screen
is displayed right after the simulation data screen is saved and closed. If this option is not checked, the environment can be edited by accessing the record through the SP005 menu and clicking on the 
button. See further details below.
5. Click on the 
button.
Simulation data screen
In addition to the data provided during the creation of the simulation environment, the following fields will be available for completion during editing:
Sections |
Fields |
| General |
|
| Samples | This section is used to build the sampling spreadsheet, according to the values defined in the # of readings and # of samples fields when creating the simulation environment. Use the sampling spreadsheet to enter the values obtained in the readings of the characteristics. For that, add or remove lines for the samples through the respective buttons on the simulation screen toolbar. |
| Results | Allows for tracking the values and the charts generated from the values simulated for the characteristic. The results will only be displayed when all the sample spreadsheet data are collected, and the simulation screen is saved. Use the corresponding options to view the XR, XS, Box-plot and Histogram charts referring to the readings of the provided samples. |
When the limits are defined in the General section, the following fields will be enabled:
- Use objective Cp: select this field and define an objective Cp to be assigned to the capability index.
- UCL X: this field will not be enabled if the "Use objective Cp" field is selected. Enter the upper control limit for the average chart.
- LCL X: this field will not be enabled if the "Use objective Cp" field is selected. Enter the lower control limit for the average chart.
- UCL R: enter the upper control limit for the range chart.
- LCL R: enter the lower control limit for the range chart.
- UCL S: enter the upper control limit for the standard deviation chart.
- LCL S: enter the lower control limit for the standard deviation chart.
Conclusion
A simulation environment allows managers and operators to assess the impact of different adjustments in the process, identify potential failures or deviations, and preview how the system will react to new operational conditions.