X-Bar and S Charts: NCSS Statistical Software

NCSS Statistical Software
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Chapter 243
X-bar and s Charts

Introduction
This procedure generates X-bar and s (standard deviation) control charts for variables. The format of the control
charts is fully customizable. The data for the subgroups can be in a single column or in multiple columns. This
procedure permits the defining of stages. For the X-bar chart, the center line can be entered directly or estimated
from the data, or a sub-set of the data. Similarly sigma may be estimated from the data or a standard sigma value
may be entered. A list of out-of-control points can be produced in the output, if desired, and means and standard
deviation values may be stored to the spreadsheet.
X-bar and s Control Charts

X-bar and s charts are used to monitor the mean and variation of a process based on samples taken from the
process at given times (hours, shifts, days, weeks, months, etc.). The measurements of the samples at a given time
constitute a subgroup. Typically, an initial series of subgroups is used to estimate the mean and standard deviation
of a process. The mean and standard deviation are then used to produce control limits for the mean and standard
deviation of each subgroup. During this initial phase, the process should be in control. If points are out-of-control
during the initial (estimation) phase, the assignable cause should be determined and the subgroup should be
removed from estimation. Determining the process capability (see R & R Study and Capability Analysis
procedures) may also be useful at this phase.
Once the control limits have been established of the X-bar and s charts, these limits may be used to monitor the
mean and variation of the process going forward. When a point is outside these established control limits it
indicates that the mean (or variation) of the process is out-of-control. An assignable cause is suspected whenever
the control chart indicates an out-of-control process.
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X-bar and s Charts
Other Control Charts for the Mean and Variation of a Process

The X-bar and s charts are very similar to the popular X-bar and R charts, the difference being that the standard
deviation is estimated from the mean standard deviation in the former, and from the mean range in the latter. The
X-bar and s charts are generally recommended over the X-bar and R charts when the subgroup sample size is
moderately large (n > 10), or when the sample size is variable from subgroup to subgroup (Montgomery, 2013).
Two additional control charts available for monitoring the process mean are the cumulative sum (CUSUM) and
exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) charts. The CUSUM and EWMA charts differ from the X-bar
charts in that they take into account the information of previous means at each point rather than just the current
mean. The CUSUM and EWMA charts are more sensitive to smaller shifts in the mean since they use the
cumulative information of the sequence of means. However, CUSUM and EWMA methods also assume a reliable
estimate or known value for the true standard deviation is available.
When only a single response is available at each time point, then the individuals and moving range (I-MR) control
charts can be used for early phase monitoring of the mean and variation. CUSUM and EWMA charts may also be
used for single responses, and are useful when small changes in the mean need to be detected.
Control Chart Formulas

Suppose we have k subgroups, each of size n. Let xij represent the measurement in the jth sample of the ith
subgroup.
Formulas for the Points on the Chart

The ith subgroup mean is calculated using
n
x
j =1
xi =
ij
and the subgroup standard deviation is calculated with
(x
n
si =
ij
xi
j =1
n 1
Estimating the X-bar Chart Center Line (Grand Mean)

In the X-bar and s Charts procedure, the grand average may be input directly, or it may be estimated from a series
of subgroups. If it is estimated from the subgroups the formula for the grand average is
k
x=
ni
x
i =1 j =1
k
n
i =1
ij
.
i
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If the subgroups are of equal size, the above equation for the grand mean reduces to
x=
x
i =1
x1 + x 2 + + x k
.
k
Estimating Sigma Mean of Standard Deviations

The true standard deviation (sigma) may be input directly, or it may be estimated from the standard deviations by
s
c4
where
k
s =
c4 =
i =1
E (s )
The calculation of E(s) requires the knowledge of the underlying distribution of the xijs. Making the assumption
that the xijs follow the normal distribution with constant mean and variance, the values for c4 are obtained from
c4 =
n

2
2
n 1 n 1
Estimating Sigma Weighted Approach

When the sample size is variable across subgroups, a weighted approach is recommended for estimating sigma
(Montgomery, 2013):
k
2
( ni 1) si
= s = i =1 k
ni k

i =1
1/ 2
X-bar Chart Limits

The lower and upper control limits for the X-bar chart are calculated using the formulas

LCL = x m
n

UCL = x + m
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where m is a multiplier (usually set to 3) chosen to control the likelihood of false alarms (out-of-control signals
when the process is in control).
Estimating the s Chart Center Line

If a standard sigma (standard deviation) value is entered by the user, the s Chart center line is computed using
s = c4
If the standard deviation is estimated from a series of subgroups, the s chart center line is given by s , whether
computed by the mean of standard deviations approach, or by the weighted approach.
s Chart Limits
The lower and upper control limits for the s chart are calculated using the formula
LCL = s m 1 c42
UCL = s + m 1 c42
where m is a multiplier (usually set to 3) chosen to control the likelihood of false alarms, and c4 is defined above,
and is based on the assumption of normality.
Runs Tests
The strength of control charts comes from their ability to detect sudden changes in a process that result from the
presence of assignable causes. Unfortunately, the X-bar chart is poor at detecting drifts (gradual trends) or small
shifts in the process. For example, there might be a positive trend in the last ten subgroups, but until a mean goes
above the upper control limit, the chart gives no indication that a change has taken place in the process.
Runs tests can be used to check control charts for unnatural patterns that are most likely caused by assignable
causes. Runs tests are sometimes called pattern tests, out-of-control tests, or zones rules.
While runs tests may be helpful in identifying patterns or smaller shifts in the mean, they also increase the
likelihood of false positive indications. The rate of false positives is typically measured using the average run
length (the average length of a run before a false positive is indicated). When several runs tests are used the
average run length of the control chart becomes very short. Two alternatives to consider before using runs tests
are the CUSUM and EWMA control charts. Runs tests are generally advised against when there is only one
observation per subgroup. In this case, the rate of false positives is quite high (average run length is short).
In order to perform the runs tests, the control chart is divided into six equal zones (three on each side of the
centerline). Since the control limit is three sigma limits (three standard deviations of the mean) in width, each
zone is one sigma wide and is labeled A, B, or C, with the C zone being the closest to the centerline. There is a
lower zone A and an upper zone A. The same is true for B and C. The runs tests look at the pattern in which
points fall in these zones.
The runs tests used in this procedure are described below.
Test 1: Any Single Point Beyond Zone A

This runs test simply indicates a single point is beyond one of the two three-sigma limits.
Test 2: Two of Three Successive Points in Zone A or Beyond

This usually indicates a shift in the process average. Note that the two points have to be in the same Zone A,
upper or lower. They cannot be on both sides of the centerline. The third point can be anywhere.
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Test 3: Four of Five Successive Points in Zone B or Beyond

This usually indicates a shift in the process average. Note that the odd point can be anywhere.
Test 4: Eight Successive Points in Zone C or Beyond

All eight points must be on one side of the centerline. This is another indication of a shift in the process average.
Test 5: Fifteen Successive Points Fall in Zone C on Either Side of the Centerline
Although this pattern might make you think that the variation in your process has suddenly decreased, this is
usually not the case. It is usually an indication of stratification in the sample. This happens when the samples
come from two distinct distributions having different means. Perhaps there are two machines that are set
differently. Try to isolate the two processes and check each one separately.
Test 6: Eight of Eight Successive Points Outside of Zone C

This usually indicates a mixture of processes. This can happen when two supposedly identical production lines
feed a single production or assembly process. You must separate the processes to find and correct the assignable
cause.
There are, of course, many other sets of runs tests that have been developed. You should watch your data for
trends, zig-zags, and other nonrandom patterns. Any of these conditions could be an indication of an assignable
cause and would warrant further investigation.
Issues in Using Control Charts

There are several additional considerations surrounding the use of control charts that will not be addressed here.
Some important questions are presented below without discussion. For a full treatment of these issues you should
consider a statistical quality control text such as Ryan (2011) or Montgomery (2013).
Subgroup Size
How many items should be sampled for each subgroup? Some common values are 5, 10, and 20. How does the
subgroup size affect my use of control charts? What about unequal subgroup sizes?
Dealing with Out-of-Control Points

How do you deal with out-of-control points once they have been detected? Should they be included or excluded in
the process average and standard deviation?
Control Limit Multiplier

Three-sigma limits are very common. When should one consider a value other than three?
Startup Time
How many subgroups should be used to establish control for my process?
Normality Assumption
How important is the assumption of normality? How do I check this? Should I consider a transformation? (See
also the Box-Cox Transformation and Capability Analysis procedures in NCSS.)
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Data Structure
In this procedure, the data may be in either of two formats. The first data structure option is to have the data in
several columns, with one subgroup per row.
Example dataset
S1
2
8
6
5
48
.
.
.
S2
6
8
2
6
2
.
.
.
S3
3
7
2
7
6
.
.
.
S4
8
7
4
6
5
.
.
.
S5
5
9
3
10
0
.
.
.
The second data structure option uses one column for the response data, and either a subgroup size or a second
column defining the subgroups.
Alternative example dataset

Response
2
6
3
8
5
8
8
7
7
9
6
2
.
.
.
Subgroup
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
.
.
.
In the alternative example dataset, the Subgroup column is not needed if every subgroup is of size 5 and the user
specifies 5 as the subgroup size. If there are missing values, the Subgroup column should be used, or the structure
of the first example dataset.
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Procedure Options
This section describes the options available in this procedure. To find out more about using a procedure, go to the
Procedures chapter.
Variables Tab
This panel specifies the variables that will be used in the analysis.
Input Type
Specify whether the data is in a single response column or in multiple columns with one subgroup per row.
Response Column and Subgroup Column or Subgroup Size

Response
Subgroup
5
6
4
3
7
6
4
5
8
.
.
.
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
.
.
.
Multiple Columns with One Subgroup Per Row

X1 X2 X3
5
3
4
.
.
.
6
7
5
.
.
.
4
6
8
.
.
.
Variables Response Column

Response Variable
Specify the column with the data values. The data values are separated into subgroups below using the Subgroup
Specification options.
Subgroup Specification
Specify whether subgroups are defined by a Subgroup ID variable, or by a subgroup size. If the subgroup size is
3, then subgroups are formed by going down the response column in groups of 3. The first subgroup would be 5,
6, 4; the second would be 3, 7, 6; and so on.
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Subgroup ID Variable
Specify the column containing the subgroup identifiers.
Response
ID Variable
5
6
4
3
7
6
4
5
8
.
.
.
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
.
.
.
A new subgroup is created for each change in the Subgroup ID Variable, going down.
Subgroup Size
Specify the number of individuals in each subgroup.
Response
5
6
4
3
7
6
4
5
8
.
.
.
If the subgroup size is 3, then subgroups are formed by going down the response column in groups of 3. The first
subgroup would be 5, 6, 4; the second would be 3, 7, 6; and so on.
Variables Multiple Columns

Data Variables
Specify the columns containing the sample responses. Each row represents a subgroup.
X1
5
3
4
.
.
.
X2
6
7
5
.
.
.
X3
4
6
8
.
.
.
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If only one variable is specified, NCSS automatically generates an individuals chart with a moving-range of size
2.
Stages
Number of Stages
Specify whether the analyses and charts are to be produced based on a single set of subgroups, or a series of sets
of subgroups. Typically a single stage is used unless you wish to have separate estimation for various segments of
the subgroups. When using multiple stages, the software requires that there be at least one subgroup in every stage
specified.
Stage Specification
Specify whether the various stages will be defined using a variable (column) with a unique value for each stage,
or by entering a range of rows for each stage.
Stage Variable
X1
X2
X3
5
6
4
3
7
6
4
5
7
6
5
4
3
7
6
5
8
3
2
6
4
3
6
5
4
5
8
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Stage
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
.
.
.
Enter a range for each stage

1-50, 51-100, 101-150
This would produce three stages. The first stage would be made up of rows 1 to 50, the second stage would be
rows 51 to 100, and the third stage would be rows 101 to 150.
Stage Variable
Specify the variable (column) that contains the identifiers for each stage.
X1
5
3
4
6
3
5
2
3
4
.
.
.
X2
6
7
5
5
7
8
6
6
5
.
.
.
X3
4
6
7
4
6
3
4
5
8
.
.
.
Stage Variable
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
.
.
.
A new stage is created for each change in the Stage Variable, going down.
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Stage Ranges
Enter a range for each stage using a dash. Separate each stage with a comma.
Example: 1-50, 51-100, 101-150
This would produce three stages. The first stage would be made up of rows 1 to 50, the second stage would be
rows 51 to 100, and the third stage would be rows 101 to 150.
Specify Rows in Calculations

Specification Method
Select which method will be used to specify the rows of the data to be used to form subgroups.
All Rows
All rows in the response column(s) will be used.
Enter First Row and Last Row

Specify the first row and the last row of the data for use in calculations.
First N Rows (Enter N)

The data beginning at Row 1 and ending at Row N will be used in calculations.
Last N Rows (Enter N)

Subgroups will be formed from the last N rows of the dataset.
Keep Rows Variable

Specify a variable and a value in that variable column that will be used to determine which rows are used to
form the subgroups.
Remove Rows Variable

Specify a variable and a value in that variable column that will be used to determine which rows will not be
used to form the subgroups.
First Row
Specify the beginning row to be used for the first subgroup.
Last Row
Specify the last row to be used for the last subgroup.
N
Enter the number of rows to be used in forming subgroups.
Keep Rows Variable
This variable (column) is used to specify which rows of the data will be used to form the subgroups for the
calculations.
Keep Rows Value
This value determines which rows of the Keep Rows Variable will be used in the calculation portion of the
analysis.
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This variable (column) is used to specify which rows of the data will not be used to form the subgroups for the
calculations.
Remove Rows Value
This value determines which rows of the Remove Rows Variable will not be used in the calculation portion of the
analysis.
Specify Rows in Charts

Specification Method
Select which method will be used to specify the rows of the data to be used to form subgroups for the charts.
All Rows
All rows in the response column(s) will be used.
Enter First Row and Last Row

Specify the first row and the last row of the data for use in the plots.
First N Rows (Enter N)

The data beginning at Row 1 and ending at Row N will be used in the plots.
Last N Rows (Enter N)

Subgroups will be formed from the last N rows of the dataset.
Keep Rows Variable

Specify a variable and a value in that variable column that will be used to determine which rows are used to
form the subgroups.

Specify a variable and a value in that variable column that will be used to determine which rows will not be
used to form the subgroups.
First Row
Specify the beginning row to be used for the first subgroup.
Last Row
Specify the last row to be used for the last subgroup.
N
Enter the number of rows to be used in forming subgroups.
Keep Rows Variable
This variable (column) is used to specify which rows of the data will be used to form the subgroups for the plots.
Keep Rows Value
This value determines which rows of the Keep Rows Variable will be used in the plots.
This variable (column) is used to specify which rows of the data will not be used to form the subgroups for the
plots.
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Remove Rows Value

This value determines which rows of the Remove Rows Variable will not be used in the plots.
Labels (Optional)
Subgroup Label Variable
Specify a variable (column) that contains the desired x axis (subgroup) labels for plots. If left blank, the plot will
use the subgroup number. The format of the labels is controlled on the x axis tab of the plot format window.
Point Label Variable
Specify a variable (column) that contains the desired individual point labels for plots. If left blank, no point labels
are shown. The format of the labels is controlled on the main chart tab of the plot format window.
Lines & Limits Tab

The options on the Lines & Limits tab are used to specify the center line method, the limit multipliers, and the
method by which sigma is estimated.
X-bar Chart Options Center Line Options

Center Line Specification
Specify whether the X-bar chart center line will be estimated from the data, or whether it will be specified
directly.
From Data
Estimate the center line from the subgroups specified for calculations.
Enter Center Line Value(s)

Specify directly the center line for the X-bar chart. If multiple stages are used, separate the center line values
for each stage by spaces.
Use a Variable with Center Line Value(s)

Specify a column containing the center line value in row 1. If multiple stages are used, a center line value
should be entered in a separate cell for each stage, beginning with row 1 for the first stage.
Center Line Value(s)

Enter the value to be used for the center line of the X-bar chart. If multiple stages are used, separate the center line
values for each stage by spaces.
Center Line Variable
Specify a column containing the center line value in row 1. If multiple stages are used, a center line value should
be entered in a separate cell for each stage, beginning with row 1 for the first stage.
X-bar Chart Options Specification Limits

Lower Limit
Enter an optional lower specification limit for display on the X-bar chart. These limits are not the control limits.
Upper Limit
Enter an optional upper specification limit for display on the X-bar chart. These limits are not the control limits.
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Target Specification
Enter an optional target value for display on the X-bar chart.
Sigma Estimation Options

Sigma Specification
Specify the method by which Sigma will be estimated for use in the charts.
From Data s-bar Estimate

Estimate sigma based on the average of the standard deviations. Only the subgroups specified for use in
calculations will be used.
From Data Weighted Approach Estimate

This method estimates s-bar using a special formula that is recommended when the subgroup size varies
across subgroups. Only the subgroups specified for use in calculations will be used.
Enter Standard Sigma Value(s)

In this case the sigma value is entered directly. The corresponding s-bar value for plots is back-calculated
from this value. If multiple stages are used, separate the sigma values for each stage by spaces.
Use a Variable with Standard Sigma Value(s)

Specify a column containing the standard sigma value in row 1. The corresponding s-bar value for plots is
back-calculated from this value. If multiple stages are used, a sigma value should be entered in a separate cell
for each stage, beginning with row 1 for the first stage.
Sigma Value(s)
Enter the value to be used for the standard sigma. If multiple stages are used, separate the sigma values for each
stage by spaces.
Sigma Variable
Specify a column containing the standard sigma value in row 1. The corresponding s-bar value for plots is backcalculated from this value. If multiple stages are used, a sigma value should be entered in a separate cell for each
stage, beginning with row 1 for the first stage.
Limit Multipliers
Primary Limit Multiplier
This option specifies the multiplier of sigma for the primary control limits. For the well-known 3-sigma limits, the
multiplier is set to 3.
Secondary Limit Multiplier
This option specifies the multiplier of sigma for the optional, secondary control limits. The secondary limits may
be shown on the plot by checking the 'Secondary Limit' option on the plot format window.
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Reports Tab
The following options control the format of the reports.
Specify Reports
Chart Summary (Control Limits and Estimation) Section
This report gives the numeric values of the center lines and limits, as well as the sigma estimation section.
Out-of-Control List Section
This report shows the out-of-control points and the corresponding reason (runs test or outside control limit).
Report Options
Precision
Specify the precision of numbers in the report. A single-precision number will show seven-place accuracy, while
a double-precision number will show thirteen-place accuracy. Note that the reports are formatted for single
precision. If you select double precision, some numbers may run into others. Also note that all calculations are
performed in double precision regardless of which option you select here. This is for reporting purposes only.
Variable Names
This option lets you select whether to display variable names, variable labels, or both.
Page Title
This option specifies a title to appear at the top of each page.
Plot Subtitle
This option specifies a subtitle to appear at the top of each plot.
X-bar and s Charts Tab

This panel sets the options used to define the appearance of the X-bar chart and the s chart.
Select Plots
X-bar Chart and s (Standard Deviation) Chart
Each chart is controlled by three form objects:
1. A checkbox to indicate whether the chart is displayed.
2. A format button used to call up the plot format window (see Quality Control Chart Format Window
Options below for more formatting details).
3. A second checkbox used to indicate whether the chart can be edited during the run.
Storage Tab
The options on this panel control the automatic storage of the means and standard deviations on the current
dataset.
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Storage Columns
Store Means in Column
You can automatically store the means of each subgroup into the column specified here.
Warning: Any data already in this column is replaced. Be careful not to specify columns that contain important
data.
Store Standard Deviations in Column
You can automatically store the range of each row into the column specified here.
Warning: Any data already in this column is replaced. Be careful not to specify columns that contain important
data.
Quality Control Chart Format Window Options

This section describes a few of the specific options available on the first tab of the control chart format window,
which is displayed when a quality control chart format button is pressed. Common options, such as axes, labels,
legends, and titles are documented in the Graphics Components chapter.
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[Xbar] / [Range] Chart Tab

Symbols Section
You can modify the attributes of the symbols using the options in this section.
A wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors are available for the symbols. The symbols for in-control and out-ofcontrol points are specified independently. There are additional options to label out-of-control points. The label
for points outside the primary control limits is the subgroup number. The label for points that are out-of-control
based on the runs test is the number of the first runs test that is signaled by this point.
The user may also specify a column of point labels on the procedure variables tab, to be used to label all or some
of the points of the chart. The raw data may also be shown, based on customizable raw data symbols.
Lines Section
You can specify the format of the various lines using the options in this section. Note that when shading is
desired, the fill will be to the bottom for single lines (such as the mean line), and between the lines for pairs of
lines (such as primary limits).
Lines for the zones, secondary limits, and specification limits are also specified here.
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Titles, Legend, Numeric Axis, Group Axis, Grid Lines, and Background
Tabs
Details on setting the options in these tabs are given in the Graphics Components chapter. The legend does not
show by default, but can easily be included by going to the Legend tab and clicking the Show Legend checkbox.
Example 1 X-bar and s Charts Analysis (Phase I)

This section presents an example of how to run an initial X-bar and s Chart analysis to establish control limits.
The data represent 50 subgroups of size 5. The data used are in the QC dataset. We will analyze the variables D1
through D5 of this dataset.
You may follow along here by making the appropriate entries or load the completed template Example 1 by
clicking on Open Example Template from the File menu of the X-bar and s Charts window.
1
Open the QC dataset.
From the File menu of the NCSS Data window, select Open Example Data.
Click on the file QC.NCSS.
Click Open.
Open the X-bar and s Charts window.
Using the Analysis or Graphics menu or the Procedure Navigator, find and select the X-bar and s Charts
procedure.
On the menus, select File, then New Template. This will fill the procedure with the default template.
Specify the variables.
On the X-bar and s Charts window, select the Variables tab.
Double-click in the Data Variables text box. This will bring up the variable selection window.
Select D1 through D5 from the list of variables and then click Ok. D1-D5 will appear in the Data
Variables box.
Run the procedure.
From the Run menu, select Run Procedure. Alternatively, just click the green Run button.
Center Line Section

Center Line Section for Subgroups 1 to 50
Number of Subgroups 50
Center Line
Estimated Grand Average (X-bar-bar)
s-bar
Estimate
67.12
7.365443
This section displays the center line values that are to be used in the X-bar and s charts.
This value is the average of all the observations. If all the subgroups are of the same size, it is also the average of
all the X-bars.
s-bar
This is the average of the standard deviations.
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Primary Control Limit Section

Primary Control Limit Section for Subgroups 1 to 50
These limits are based on a subgroup of size 5.
Chart Type
X-bar
s
Primary Control Limits

Lower
Upper
56.60731
77.63269
0
15.3864
This report gives the lower and upper limits for each of the charts, corresponding to a specific subgroup size.
X-bar Lower and Upper Primary Control Limits
These limits are the primary control limits of the X-bar chart, as defined in the sub-section X-bar Chart Limits of
the Control Chart Formulas section toward the beginning of this chapter.
s Lower and Upper Primary Control Limits
These limits are the primary control limits of the s chart, as defined in the sub-section s Chart Limits of the
Control Chart Formulas section toward the beginning of this chapter. Since the lower limit for the s chart is less
than 0, it has been reset to 0.
Sigma Estimation Section

Sigma Estimation Section for Subgroups 1 to 50
Estimation
Type
Ranges (R-bar)
Standard Deviations (s-bar)*
Weighted Approach (s-bar)
Estimated
Value
18.14
7.365443
7.902911
Estimated
Sigma
7.798796
7.835698
7.902911
* Indicates the estimation type used in this report.
This report gives the estimation of the population standard deviation (sigma) based on three estimation
techniques. The estimation technique used for the plots in this procedure is based on the ranges.
Estimation Type
The two formulas for estimating sigma based on the standard deviation are shown earlier in this chapter in the
Control Chart Formulas section. The formulas for the Ranges method are shown in the X-bar and R Charts
chapter.
Estimated Value
This column gives the R-bar and s-bar estimates based on the corresponding formulas.
Estimated Sigma
This column gives estimates of the population standard deviation (sigma) based on the corresponding estimation
type.
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X-bar and s Charts
X-bar and s Charts
The first plot shows the sample means, as well as the centerline and control limits for the process mean, based on
the 50 subgroups. This process appears to be in control. The second plot shows the sample standard deviations for
each subgroup, as well as the corresponding centerline and limits. The s chart seems to indicate the variation is
also in control.
Out-of-Control List
Out-of-Control List for Subgroups 1 to 50
Subgroup
30
Mean
70.4
s
12.01249
Subgroup
Label
30
Reason
s: 4 of 5 in zone B or beyond
This report provides a list of the subgroups that failed one of the runs tests (including points outside the control
limits). The report shows that subgroup 30 is the final point of 4 out of 5 points in Zone B. This run does not
appear to indicate a clear shift in the process variation.
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X-bar and s Charts
Example 2 X-bar and s Charts Analysis (Phase II)

This section presents a continuation of the previous example. In this example the limits are based on the first 50
observations, but the means and ranges are monitored for an additional 100 subgroups. The data are given in the
columns D1ext D5ext of the QC dataset.
1
Open the QC dataset.
Click on the file QC.NCSS.
Click Open.
procedure.
Select D1ext through D5ext from the list of variables and then click Ok. D1ext-D5ext will appear in
the Data Variables box.
Specify the Rows in Calculations.
Under Specify Rows in Calculations, set the Specification Method to First N rows (Enter N).
Set N to 50.
Run the procedure.
Center Line, Control Limits, and Estimation Sections

Center Line Section for Subgroups 1 to 50
Number of Subgroups 50
Center Line
s-bar
Estimate
67.12
7.365443
Primary Control Limit Section for Subgroups 1 to 50

Chart Type
X-bar
s

Lower
Upper
56.60731
77.63269
0
15.3864
Sigma Estimation Section for Subgroups 1 to 50

Estimation
Type
Ranges (R-bar)*
Standard Deviations (s-bar)
Estimated
Value
18.14
7.365443
7.902911
Estimated
Sigma
7.798796
7.835698
7.902911
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X-bar and s Charts
Since the first 50 subgroups are the same as those of Example 1, and since only the first 50 subgroups are used in
the calculations for this run, the results for these sections are the same as those of Example 1.
X-bar and s Charts
These plots have the same limits as those of Example 1. It appears there may have been a shift in process for the
last 30 or 40 subgroups, as evidenced by the large majority of points above the center line and out-of-control
signal from subgroup 142.
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X-bar and s Charts
Out-of-Control List
Out-of-Control List for Subgroups 1 to 150
Subgroup
30
70
89
121
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
135
138
139
142
143
144
145
146
147
Mean
70.4
69
74.8
70.8
71.4
72.8
76.8
69.2
69
71.2
68.6
73.6
67.8
61.2
68.8
73.4
79.2
71
72
74
66.2
71.2
s
12.01249
9.354143
8.843077
3.563706
8.6487
6.418723
10.42593
14.51551
6.519202
9.391485
7.635444
4.335896
11.75585
13.40522
7.79102
8.619744
10.20784
7.905694
8.185352
4.1833
6.906518
10.47378
Subgroup
Label
30
70
89
121
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
135
138
139
142
143
144
145
146
147
Reason
s: 8 in zone C or beyond
X-bar: 2 of 3 in zone A
X-bar: 4 of 5 in zone B or beyond
X-bar: 8 in zone C or beyond
X-bar: beyond control limits
This list indicates a large number of out-of-control signals (by Runs tests) for subgroups 121 and beyond.
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X-bar and s Charts
Example 3 X-bar Chart with Additional Formatting

This example uses the same setup as Example 2, except that a variety of improvements are made in the plot
format. These improvements are made by clicking the X-bar Chart format button on the X-bar & s charts tab.
You can load the completed template Example 3 by clicking on Open Example Template from the File menu of
the X-bar and s Charts window.
X-bar Chart
As shown here, a variety of enhancements can be made to the formatting of the control charts to make the chart as
easy to read as possible. The numbers above the points near the end represent the number of the first runs test that
is signaled by that point.
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X-bar and s Charts
Example 4 X-bar and s Charts with Stages

This section presents X-bar and s charts for the scenario of multiple stages in a process. In the QC Stage dataset a
significant change had been made in the process after subgroup 70. This change merits a new evaluation of the
process mean and standard deviation, beginning at subgroup 71. In this example, the process mean and standard
deviation for each stage are to be determined based on the first 30 subgroups.
1
Open the QC Stage dataset.
Click on the file QC Stage.NCSS.
Click Open.
procedure.
Select D1 through D5 from the list of variables and then click Ok. D1-D5 will appear in the Data
Variables box.
Specify the stages.
For Number of Stages select Multiple Stages.
For Stage Variable select Stage.
Specify the Rows in Calculations.
Under Specify Rows in Calculations, set the Specification Method to Keep Rows Variable.
Enter Use all rows where variable CalcRows equals 1.
Run the procedure.
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X-bar and s Charts
Center Line, Control Limits, and Estimation Sections

Center Line Section for Subgroups 1 to 70 where CalcRows equals 1
Number of Subgroups
30
Center Line
s-bar
Estimate
51.29908
5.921397
Primary Control Limit Section for Subgroups 1 to 70 where CalcRows equals 1

Chart Type
X-bar
s

Lower
Upper
42.81738
59.78078
0
12.36979
Sigma Estimation Section for Subgroups 1 to 70 where CalcRows equals 1

Estimation
Type
Ranges (R-bar)
Estimated
Value
14.70471
5.921397
6.408969
Estimated
Sigma
6.321887
6.299455
6.408969

Center Line Section for Subgroups 71 to 120 where CalcRows equals 1
Number of Subgroups
30
Center Line
s-bar
Estimate
46.23898
4.244057
Primary Control Limit Section for Subgroups 71 to 120 where CalcRows equals 1
Chart Type
X-bar
s

Lower
Upper
40.09783
52.38013
0
8.865826
Sigma Estimation Section for Subgroups 71 to 120 where CalcRows equals 1

Estimation
Type
Ranges (R-bar)
Estimated
Value
10.6469
4.244057
4.490183
Estimated
Sigma
4.577343
4.515023
4.490183
This report shows the center line, limit, and sigma estimates for each of the two stages. The center line estimate
changes from about 51 to about 46. There also appears to be a change in sigma of about 6.3 to about 4.5.
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X-bar and s Charts
X-bar and s Charts
The change in process mean and variation from the first stage to the second is reflected in the X-bar and s charts.
243-26

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NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

X-bar and s Control Charts

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Other Control Charts for the Mean and Variation of a Process

Control Chart Formulas

Formulas for the Points on the Chart

and the subgroup standard deviation is calculated with

Estimating the X-bar Chart Center Line (Grand Mean)

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Estimating Sigma Mean of Standard Deviations

Estimating Sigma Weighted Approach

X-bar Chart Limits

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Estimating the s Chart Center Line

Test 1: Any Single Point Beyond Zone A

Test 2: Two of Three Successive Points in Zone A or Beyond

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Test 3: Four of Five Successive Points in Zone B or Beyond

Test 4: Eight Successive Points in Zone C or Beyond

Test 6: Eight of Eight Successive Points Outside of Zone C

Issues in Using Control Charts

Dealing with Out-of-Control Points

Control Limit Multiplier

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Alternative example dataset

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Response Column and Subgroup Column or Subgroup Size

Multiple Columns with One Subgroup Per Row

Variables Response Column

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Variables Multiple Columns

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Enter a range for each stage

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Specify Rows in Calculations

Enter First Row and Last Row

First N Rows (Enter N)

Last N Rows (Enter N)

Keep Rows Variable

Remove Rows Variable

NCSS Statistical Software

X-bar and s Charts

Remove Rows Variable

Specify Rows in Charts

Enter First Row and Last Row

First N Rows (Enter N)

Last N Rows (Enter N)

Keep Rows Variable

Remove Rows Variable