Log-normal process capabilityHi, I have a process that is log-normally distributed and has an upper spec limit, and I'd like to calculate a Cpk. I tried two approaches that gave me different answers:
- Save spec limit as column property for process. Plot distribution of process, then Continuous Fit --> LogNormal to get a Cpk (checking goodness-of-fit of course)
- Add new column. Set column formula as log(process), save column upper spec limit as log(upper spec limit). Plot distribution, get Cpk from capability analysis. Validate via Continuous Fit --> Normal and checking goodness-of-fit.
Which of these approaches would you recommend? Or could you suggest a better approach?
Many thanks,
Alex
Re: Log-normal process capabilityI have also been trying to figure out why the Cpk result from using the built-in Capability Analysis and the manual method of calculating the Cpk via a log transform of the data is giving such different results. Any insight into the formula that JMP is using for the log Normal Cpk calculation would be greatly appreciated.
Re: Log-normal process capabilityI understand your frustration. The question on why log normal does not have a Save Transform would have to be answered by the JMP developer.
Concerning the difference between the Cp/Cpk for the Distribution lognormal and your own transformed to log(x) and then calculate.......it appears that there are differences in the calculation of the PDF. I am taking that from the description within
Help==>Books==>Basic Analysis
But a more complete answer should be available from JMP Support
Re: Log-normal process capabilityThanks Jim. It's a bit frustrating that the LogNormal transform can't be saved in the same way - the GLog transform adds additional complexity, which is hard to justify and would be (even) harder to explain to my colleagues.
Any idea why I got different answers between my initial two approaches?
Re: Log-normal process capabilityI consider both of the techniques you specified as good vialble processes. However, the process that I would actually recommend is a very nice builtin capability of the Distribution Platform. If you run the Distribution Platform, you can then go to
Continuous Fit==>All
It will then evaluate your data to find which distribution(s) it fits. Once done, and if a Log Normal distribution is found to be the fit, you can go under "GLot" distribution and
Save Transform
It creates a new column using the determined Generalized Log algorithm