The data collection plan consists of a nine column tactical plan.

1.      Customer needs and requirements

2.      Type of measure (input, output, or process)

3.      Type of data (continuous or discrete)

4.      Operational definition

5.      Specification limits

6.      Quality characteristics – target value

7.      Data collection form (run chart, Pareto, etc.)

8.      Sample plan (number of, how to, etc.)

9.      Baseline sigma

Use: Failure to use the data collection plan may result in skipping a step that may come back to haunt the team at some point in the project.

Six Sigma Terminology