Symbol for the standard deviation, a measure of the dispersion or spread of values within a dataset.

A control chart used to monitor the variability of a process over time based on the standard deviation.

Potentially context dependent, referring to different meanings or uses based on specific contexts or industries.

SAE International: Professional organization of individual engineers and related disciplines; formerly Society for Automotive Engineers.

Not in danger or likely to be harmed. (Cambridge Dictionary definition).

Equipment with necessary safety documentation or safety case, ensuring minimal hazards.

Individual adequately trained and informed to perform a specific activity safely.

Space where an activity is performed, considering potential effects on personnel and surroundings.

Written procedures ensuring minimum risk during activities.

Part of a safe work system specifying conditions for training to ensure personnel competence.

Method to eliminate or reduce injury risk during work procedures.

Freedom from unacceptable risk of harm to persons or the environment.

Incorporates safety measures and protocols into the workplace to ensure the well being of employees.

Organizational structure, processes, and methodologies for meeting safety or environmental requirements.

Programs promoting workplace safety and health.

Evaluation to identify system safety features and hazards.

Systematic critical examination to minimize loss and assess performance.

Structured presentation confirming the safety of a system or operation.

Team supporting implementation of health, safety, and environmental strategies in a Defence organization.

Representatives ensuring cooperation for employee health and safety.

Collective values and behaviors determining commitment to safety.

Managerial assessment of safety standards in the workplace.

Protection system intervening in a plant to ensure safety based on plant parameters.

Measure of safety system performance based on reliability.

Potentially a term referring to organized sessions or meetings to discuss safety related topics or practices.

All planning, actions or procedures that guarantee the safety of a company or organization and that are intended to limit effects and repercussions in the event that a disturbance occurs. The functions include threat and weak point analyses, formulation of safety objectives and actions, preparation of a safety concept and the specification of responsibilities in all areas. Safety management furthermore includes reviewing the safety concept implementation, performance of the planned actions, compliance with safety guidelines, and the effectiveness of the implemented safety actions.

Procedures and processes to prevent breakdowns and to limit their effects. A safety management system regulates the following aspects: Organization and personnel; determination and evaluation of the risks of breakdowns; monitoring of the operation; safe performance of changes; planning for emergencies; monitoring the safety management system performance; and systematic examination and review.

Management for promoting a strong safety culture and high standards.

Periodic checks ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Written statement outlining an employer's health and safety commitment.

Union appointed individual ensuring safety regulation compliance.

Systematic sampling of specific dangerous activities or areas.

A part of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) focusing on ensuring safety, health, and environmental standards in operations.

Operation standards

Working sequence

Cycle time, operator cycle time is equal to total time required for a worker to complete one cycle of an assigned job process (including waiting, walking, etc.) and thus completing a workpiece to pass on to the next process, machine cycle time is equal the total time it takes a machine to complete one cycle (including workpiece loading and unloading times) and thus completing a workpiece to pass on to the next process

Sample: In acceptance sampling, one or more units of product (or a quantity of material) drawn from a lot for purposes of inspection to reach a decision regarding acceptance of the lot.

When a sample is subjected to a quality inspection. (On the basis of DIN 55350 17)

The number of observations or entities included in a sample selected from a larger population.

The number of observations or individuals included in a sample, impacting the accuracy of inferences drawn from it.

Sample size [n]: The number of units in a sample.

Sample standard deviation chart (S chart): A control chart in which the subgroup standard deviation, s, is used to evaluate the stability of the variability within a process.

Sum of the squares of the deviations of the actual values from their arithmetic mean divided by one less than the number of actual values.

The process of selecting a subset (sample) from a larger population to draw conclusions or perform analysis.

Sampling at random: As commonly used in acceptance sampling theory, the process of selecting sample units so all units under consideration have the same probability of being selected. Note: Equal probabilities are not necessary for random sampling; what is necessary is that the probability of selection be ascertainable. However, the stated properties of published sampling tables are based on the assumption of random sampling with equal probabilities. An acceptable method of random selection with equal probabilities is the use of a table of random numbers in a standard manner.

Systematic error or distortion introduced in a sampling process, leading to a non representative sample.

The distribution of a sample statistic derived from multiple samples taken from the same population.

Specification of the increments to be taken, samples to be constituted and measurements to be made. (On the basis of ISO 3534 2)

The risk associated with making inferences about a population based on a sample, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions.

Combines sampling plans with sampling purposes. (On the basis of ISO 3534 2)

Number of units that are withdrawn for a sample. Often the characteristic values found in the units are called a sample instead of the units of the sample. This can result in confusion with regard to the sampling size. Ultimately the number of the characteristic values and the number of sample units can be different. (On the basis of DIN 55350 14)

Sampling, double: Sampling inspection in which the inspection of the first sample leads to a decision to accept a lot, reject it or take a second sample; the inspection of a second sample, when required, then leads to a decision to accept or reject the lot.

Sampling, multiple: Sampling inspection in which, after each sample is inspected, the decision is made to accept a lot, reject it or take another sample. But there is a prescribed maximum number of samples, after which a decision to accept or reject the lot must be reached. Note: Multiple sampling as defined here has sometimes been called “sequential n sampling” or “truncated sequential e sampling.” The term “multiple sampling” is recommended.

Sampling, single: Sampling inspection in which the decision to accept or reject a lot is based on the inspection of one sample.

Sampling, unit: Sequential sampling inspection in which, after each unit is inspected, the decision is made to accept a lot, reject it or inspect another unit.

3 D's (Dirty, Dangerous, and Difficult), the K's in Japanese stand for: KITANAI, KIKEN, and KITSUI

The 3 Reals (Reality, Real Place, Real Thing), the GEN's in Japanese stand for: GENJITSU, GEMBA, and GEMBUTSU

Requirements for sanitation in both stationary and temporary workplaces.

Sanitizing: English translation of seiso, one of the Japanese five S’s used for workplace organization. Sanitizing (also referred to as shining or sweeping) is the act of cleaning the work area. Dirt is often the root cause of premature equipment wear, safety problems and defects.

SAP Quality Management: A module in the SAP ERP system focusing on quality control and assurance.

Swiss Association for Quality, Kirchberg (Switzerland).

Satisfier: A term used to describe the quality level received by a customer when a product or service meets expectations.

SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) is a verbal or written communication tool that helps provide essential, concise information, usually during crucial situations.

Simpler Business System: A methodology focusing on streamlining business processes and reducing complexity.

Potentially context dependent, could refer to different terms or acronyms based on specific industries or contexts.

Structure for working at heights during construction.

Scatter diagram: A graphical technique to analyze the relationship between two variables. Two sets of data are plotted on a graph, with the y axis being used for the variable to be predicted and the x axis being used for the variable to make the prediction. The graph will show possible relationships (although two variables might appear to be related, they might not be; those who know most about the variables must make that evaluation). One of the “seven tools of quality” (see listing).

Glossary or collection of terms related to scatter plots, a graphical representation showing relationships between two variables.

A visual representation depicting the relationship or correlation between two variables through plotted points.

Safety Certificate for Contractors. Requirements for safety, health and environmental management systems. Standard developed by the Dutch mineral oil and petroleum industry in 1989. The objective was to place uniform requirement criteria on the contractor‘s safety management when awarding contracts for maintenance and installation work and construction projects.

Scientific management/approach: A term referring to the intent to find and use the best way to perform tasks to improve quality, productivity and efficiency.

See Supply chain management.

The defined boundaries, objectives, and limitations of a project or process, outlining what is included and excluded.

The gradual expansion or changes beyond the original project scope, potentially leading to increased project complexity.

Scorecard: An evaluation device, usually in the form of a questionnaire, that specifies the criteria customers will use to rate your business’ performance in satisfying customer requirements.

See EFQM Excellence Award.

See Supply chain quality.

Action on a nonconforming product with the objective of precluding its originally intended use (e.g., by recycling, destruction). In the case of a nonconforming service situation, use is precluded by discontinuing the (provision of the) service. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)

A graphical tool used in factor analysis to determine the number of factors to retain based on eigenvalues.

An experimental design used to identify critical factors or variables affecting a process or system efficiently.

100% inspection in which all units that are found to be nonconforming are sorted out.

A key role in the Scrum framework responsible for facilitating team processes and removing obstacles to progress.

Certification validating expertise in Scrum framework methodologies and roles in agile project management.

Process for standardizing, implementing, checking, and improving tasks.

Second party audits are audits conducted by the customer or on behalf of the customer (supplier audits). Second party audits are external audits. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)

See Finding.

Head of the Ministry of Defence, responsible for departmental business.

Encompasses security measures to protect equipment, assets, and information within the workplace.

Hypothesis tests are statistical procedures to confirm or refute assumptions that have been made regarding differences between groups of measured samples. They can be used both to compare average values and variances.

Seiban: The name of a Japanese management practice taken from the words sei, which means manufacturing, and ban, which means number. A seiban number is assigned to all parts, materials and purchase orders associated with a particular customer job, project or anything else. This enables a manufacturer to track everything related to a particular product, project or customer, and facilitates setting aside inventory for specific projects or priorities. That makes it an effective practice for project and build to order manufacturing.

Spick and span, SEIKETSU (pronounced say ket Sue), revisit frequently

Sifting, SEIRI (pronounced say ree), segregate and discard

Performance analysis board

Shine or sanitize (cleanliness). Workplace, machines and tools must be kept clean. Japanese term, see also 5S.

Sweeping and washing, SEISO (pronounced say so), celan and inspect daily

Sorting, SEITON (pronounced say tone), arange and identify

Operations management engineering

Comprehensive and systematic review of the organization’s activities. These refer to the quality management system or to an excellence model. Self assessment can give the organization an overall view of its performance and the degree of maturity of its quality management system. (On the basis of DIN 9000:2015)

Also Supplier‘s declaration or vendor declaration Written declaration given by a supplier according to a defined procedure that indicates that a unit that it is to supply, but that has not yet been realized, will fulfill the quality requirements, or that a unit that has already been realized fulfils the quality requirements, or that both statements are true.

Self directed work team (SDWT): A type of team structure in which much of the decision making regarding how to handle the team’s activities is controlled by the team members themselves.

With a view to a common objective, members of a group produce or complete products or services on their own responsibility and according to their own planning. This requires a certain level of autonomy. The individual groups are conceded the freedom needed to act and make decisions independently.

Notation for substances causing occupational asthma, indicated in risk phrases like R42/43.

The senior leader accountable for military activities' safety.

Individual accountable for effective program governance, objectives, and benefits.

SENSEI (pronounced sen say), instructor, usually refers to an external consultant

Change in the measured value of the quantity output by a measuring instrument relative to the change in the input quantity that caused it. (On the basis of DIN 1319 1:1195)

Sentinel event: A healthcare term for any event not consistent with the desired, normal or usual operation of the organization; also known as an adverse event.

An organization’s (process) output, where at least one activity must be performed between organization and customer. A service’s essential elements are mostly intangible in nature, with software being a prime example, since information is at its core, regardless of the medium. As a rule, a service includes activities at the interface with the customer and is directly experienced by the customer. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)

Service level agreement: A formal agreement between an internal provider and an internal receiver (customer).

A specific timeframe allocated for a session, meeting, or a window of time for performing particular tasks or activities.

Set in Order means arranging items logically, ensuring easy access, and using visual cues for item placement.

A technique or methodology aiming to minimize the time required for machine or process setup in manufacturing.

The time taken to prepare or set up equipment, machinery, or processes before starting production or operations.

A set of fundamental quality improvement tools including Pareto charts, cause and effect diagrams, histograms, etc.

Seven new management and planning tools: Tools to promote innovation, communicate information and successfully plan major projects. The tools are: affinity diagrams, matrix diagrams, interrelationship digraphs, process decision program charts, tree diagrams, activity network diagrams and prioritization matrixes.

Seven tools of quality: Tools that help organizations understand their processes to improve them. The tools are the cause and effect diagram, check sheet, control chart, flowchart, histogram, Pareto chart and scatter diagram (see individual entries).

Major waste types: Overproduction, Waiting, Conveyance, Processing, Inventory, Motion, Correction.

Degree of harm a hazard can cause, depending on the industry sector.

Calculation of lost days per thousand man hours worked.

Principle: "So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable."

Shadow board: A visual management tool painted to indicate where tools belong and which tools are missing.

Experimental design technique that was named after its creator Dorian Shainin (1914 2000). Shainin developed a strategy to solve problems which, like the Pareto rule, assumes that a multitude of problems are associated with only a few causes.

See Design of experiments.

Shainin System: Named after its developer, Dorian Shainin, this problem solving system focuses on identifying the dominant cause of process variation called the Red X. Also called statistical engineering.

Executing verb in statute mandating regulated persons to follow legislation.

Stockholder, financier, investor in a company.

Safety, Health, and Environment.

Safety, health, environmental management system. See also: SCC.

Shewhart cycle: See “plan do check act cycle.”

See Quality control chart.

Time between shifts.

Value adding work, SHIGOTO (pronounced she go toe)

Specification manifest

Work in process, WIP

Production instruction KANBAN

True efficiency

Shine requires regular cleaning and inspection to maintain cleanliness, identifying issues, and preventing hazards.

Discipline, SHITSUKE (pronounced sheet soo kay), good habits, motivate to sustain

Workforce flexibility to adjust to fluctuating demand.

Potentially context specific terms related to statistical analysis or quality control involving short and long term performance metrics.

Flexible manpower line

Recommended action of good practice, though not compulsory.

A mapping technique focusing on designing or documenting future state processes based on improvement goals.

Labor savings

Sifting: English translation of Japanese seiri, one of the five S’s used for workplace organization. Sifting is separating the essential from the nonessential. It involves screening through unnecessary materials and simplifying the work environment.

Sigma: One standard deviation in a normally distributed process.

A measure indicating process performance, often associated with the number of standard deviations a process deviates from a specification.

A numerical measure reflecting the performance or capability of a process in terms of sigma levels.

The sigma value provides information about the process capability. With a normal distribution, the sigma value indicates how many standard deviations there are from the average value to the next (customer) specification limit. The sigma value (called the z value in mathematics) can be calculated for both qualitative and quantitative data. The sigma values can make it possible to compare different processes because they compare the processes by looking at their dispersion with regard to the customer requirements, or by looking at the capability of the process to fulfill the customer requirements.

In Taguchi methods, factors or variables that significantly affect product or process quality, emphasizing control.

Signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio): An equation that indicates the magnitude of an experimental effect above the effect of experimental error due to chance fluctuations.

In Taguchi methods, the ratio comparing the strength of a signal (desired outcome) to the level of noise (undesired variation).

Potentially context dependent, referring to different meanings or uses based on specific contexts or industries.

Health risks from inhaling silica dust.

Experimental designs used in mixture experiments for optimizing the combination of components or factors.

Simulation: A 3 D technique to balance a line. It involves using cardboard, wood and plastic foam to create full sized equipment mock ups that can be easily moved to obtain an optimum layout.

Special form of project organization during product development in order to shorten the development time. When developing products, the individual steps are worked off in parallel, not sequentially. This results in simultaneous or overlapping product development stages. Suppliers and system manufacturers are included in this process at an early point in time and to a large extent.

The trigonometric function sine, representing the ratio of the length of the side opposite an angle to the hypotenuse in a right angled triangle.

Process for quick changeover of production equipment between part numbers.

Single minute exchange of dies: A series of techniques pioneered by Shigeo Shingo for changeovers of production machinery in less than 10 minutes. The long term objective is always zero setup, in which changeovers are instantaneous and do not interfere in any way with continuous flow. Setup in a single minute is not required, but used as a reference (see “one touch exchange of dies,” “internal setup” and “external setup”).

Single piece flow: A process in which products proceed, one complete product at a time, through various operations in design, order taking and production without interruptions, backflows or scrap.

A sampling plan or technique involving inspection or testing of individual items or products to determine quality.

Concentration of the procurement on a few system suppliers, i.e., suppliers who offer many products or services from one source.

Supplier – Input – Process – Output – Customer.

SIPOC diagram: A tool used by Six Sigma process improvement teams to identify all relevant elements (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) of a process improvement project before work begins.

Exploration and analysis of geological properties at work sites.

Person responsible for workplace safety and inspections.

Quality standard aiming for 3.4 defects per million opportunities, employing DMAIC methodology.

Six Sigma quality: A term generally used to indicate process capability in terms of process spread measured by standard deviations in a normally distributed process.

Six Sigma tools: The problem solving tools used to support Six Sigma and other process improvement efforts. This includes voice of the customer, value stream mapping, process mapping, capability analysis, Pareto charts, root cause analysis, failure mode and effects analysis, control plans, statistical process control, 5S, mistake proofing and design of experiments.

Notation in EH40 indicating substances absorbed through intact skin.

A measure indicating the asymmetry of a probability distribution, showing the deviation of data from a normal distribution.

Stock Keeping Unit: A unique identifier assigned to an item in inventory management.

Service level agreement: Interface agreement for the provision of services. An SLA governs the cooperation between an (internal or external) customer and an (internal or external) service provider with a view to the type, scope and cost of the services to be provided.

Components of a linear regression equation representing the relationship between two variables.

A factor in Taguchi methods representing the effect of a parameter on process performance.

Small business: Privately owned corporations, partnerships or sole proprietorships that have fewer employees and less annual revenue than a regular sized business or corporation. The definition of “small”—in terms of being able to apply for government support and qualify for preferential tax policy—varies by country and industry.

Statistical distributions modeling extreme values, such as minimum and maximum observations.

Interactive dialog boxes in software applications that adapt or respond intelligently to user input.

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time bound goals used in project management or personal development.

SMART matrix: A SMART matrix is a communication and planning tool used to identify the specifics of actions or tasks. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, resources, and time.

Small and medium sized enterprises.

Single Minute Exchange of Die: A methodology aiming to minimize equipment changeover time in manufacturing.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd., London. www.smmt.co.uk

Schweizerische Normen Vereinigung [Swiss Association for Standardization], Winterthur, Switzerland. www.snv.ch

Legal concept weighing risk against necessary precautions.

Social responsibility: The concept that business entities should balance profit making activities with activities that benefit society.

Social environment in which an organization operates.

Secretary of State for Defence's policy statement regarding health, safety, and environmental protection.

See Product.

The process comprising stages from initial conception to software retirement or replacement.

Software quality assurance (SQA): A systematic approach to evaluating the quality of and adherence to software product standards, processes and procedures. SQA includes ensuring standards and procedures are established and followed throughout the software acquisition life cycle.

A space or tool to gather, store, and track potential solutions or ideas for future consideration or implementation.

A clear and concise declaration outlining proposed resolutions to a problem or challenge.

Liquids dissolving other substances.

A statistical measure indicating the strength and direction of association between two ranked variables.

Standard Operating Procedure

Standard Operating Procedures: Established guidelines detailing steps to accomplish tasks or processes.

Arranging items or data in a specified sequence or order based on criteria or attributes.

Sort involves separating necessary items from unnecessary ones, eliminating clutter, and organizing essential items.

Off line set up, external setup, changeover preparation ("prep")

Diagram illustrating a product's path through steps along a value stream.

Spaghetti diagram: A visual representation using a continuous flow line tracing the path of an item or activity through a process. The continuous flow line enables process teams to identify redundancies in workflow and opportunities to expedite process flow.

Statistical Process Control: A method used to monitor and control processes to maintain desired performance levels.

Various methods and tools employed in Statistical Process Control (SPC) for analyzing and improving processes.

A statistical measure of correlation assessing the relationship between two ranked variables.

In quality management, an exceptional or non routine factor contributing to process variation or defects.

Exceptional factors that significantly impact process performance, leading to unexpected variations or issues.

Special characteristic: Automotive ISO TS 16949 term for key product or process characteristics.

Product characteristics or production process parameters. These can affect safety, compliance with regulatory demands, fit, function, performance or further processing of the product. (On the basis of IATF 16949:2016)

Process in which the quality inspections either cannot determine the result with regard to quality, cannot determine it completely, can only determine at a disproportionately high expenditure or cannot determine it on time. In principle, special processes are therefore qualified ahead of time and monitored. (On the basis of DIN 55350 11)

Specification: A document that states the requirements to which a given product or service must conform.

In its requirements for a product or service, the customer specifies a desired value that should be achieved. The customer additionally specifies specification limits that show the tolerated fluctuations. This results in a lower tolerance limit, also called lower specification limit (LSL) and an upper tolerance limit, also called upper specification limit (USL).

Predetermined boundaries or criteria defining acceptable variations or tolerances in a process or product.

Reduction in speed compared to maximum capacity.

Strategic Planning Institute. See PIMS study.

Emphasizes fostering a positive workplace culture and mindset, encouraging teamwork and morale among employees.

An experimental design featuring nested factors, often used in situations where randomization is limited.

Sponsor: The person who supports a team’s plans, activities and outcomes.

A person providing support, resources, and advocacy for a project or initiative within an organization.

Safety Quality Assessment System. Standard from the European Chemical Industry Council CEFIC. Quality, safety, occupational health and safety, and environmental management system for service providers in the logistics and chemical sectors with the objective of a uniform evaluation by independent assessors who use the same standard/questionnaire.

Statistical quality control.

Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost: Essential elements often used to assess overall manufacturing performance.

Square Root: A mathematical operation returning a value when multiplied by itself equals a specified number.

Sum of Squares: A statistical measure representing the sum of squared deviations from the mean.

Standard Deviation: A statistical measure of data dispersion, showing the average distance from the mean.

In process control, the state of a process remaining consistent and predictable over time.

Descriptions potentially referring to different data representations or organizational structures.

Distinct phases or steps within a process, project, or system, indicating progression or completion.

Stages of team growth: Four stages that teams move through as they develop maturity: forming, storming, norming and performing.

Regulated structures causing common workplace injuries.

Individuals or entities having an interest, involvement, or influence in a project or organization.

Potentially context dependent, referring to different meanings or uses based on specific contexts or industries.

NATO Standardization Agreement: Standardization agreement involving NATO member countries on the use of standardized procedures or similar equipment. The objective is to achieve the most standardized equipment for all NATO troops possible in various areas.

Standard: The metric, specification, gauge, statement, category, segment, grouping, behavior, event or physical product sample against which the outputs of a process are compared and declared acceptable or unacceptable. Also, documents that provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.

A predetermined cost used as a benchmark for calculating the cost of goods or services in accounting or manufacturing.

A statistical measure indicating the extent of variability or dispersion in a set of data.

Standard deviation (statistical): A computed measure of vari ability indicating the spread of the data set around the mean.

A measure assessing the ability of a process to produce within specification limits based on standard deviation.

In Taguchi methods, a measure indicating variability that affects product quality or process performance.

An estimation of the variability between sample statistics and population parameters in inferential statistics.

The standard deviation of the coefficient in a statistical model, measuring the uncertainty in the estimate.

The standard deviation of predicted values from a regression model compared to observed values.

A measure indicating the variability or spread of sample means around the population mean.

Standard in process stock: One of the three elements that make up standard work. It is the minimum quantity of parts always on hand for processing during and between subprocesses. It allows workers to do their jobs continuously in a set sequence, repeating the same operation over and over in the same order. Also see “standard work.”

Measured value or numerical value that must be met or reached without the stipulation of concrete limiting values. (On the basis of DIN 55350 12)

An established and documented method used as a reference for performing tasks or processes consistently.

A reference document detailing sequences and times for performing tasks in standardized work.

Work in progress adhering to established standards or procedures within a production or manufacturing process.

Work undergoing processes following standardized methods or protocols.

Standard work instructions: A lean manufacturing tool that enables operators to observe a production process with an understanding of how assembly tasks are to be performed. It ensures the quality level is understood and serves as an excellent training aid, enabling replacement or temporary individuals to easily adapt and perform the assembly operation.

A document detailing step by step instructions or procedures for performing tasks following standard practices.

Precise procedures for each operator's work based on takt time, work sequence, and standard inventory.

Standardization: When policies and common procedures are used to manage processes throughout the system. Also, English translation of the Japanese word seiketsu, one of the Japanese five S’s (see listing) used for workplace organization.

Standardize establishes protocols and processes to sustain Sort, Set in Order, and Shine principles consistently.

Logarithmically transformed residuals standardized for use in statistical analysis.

Residuals standardized to have a mean of zero and a standard deviation of one for regression analysis.

The task of a national standards organization is to determine the necessity of a planned standard, as well as its requirements and contents. These are subsequently stipulated and published as a national standard. The standardization work in Germany is organized in standardization committees and work groups within the DIN. Representatives from business, science, the state and interested parties cooperate on working out standards. In Germany, industry wide standardization is the task of the business sector‘s self regulation. The DIN is a member of CEN, whose main task is to develop European standards. The ISO is responsible for international standardization; it unites the national standards organizations around the world.

A promotional statement potentially referring to Coursera as a platform for accessing educational courses.

Time taken to start up equipment for production.

Condition of a unit at a particular point in time of the observation. (On the basis of DIN 40041:1990)

A document outlining project deliverables, scope, timelines, and expectations between a client and contractor.

Potentially a tool or guide providing instructions, tips, or resources related to statistical analysis or software usage.

A numerical value derived from a dataset used to describe or summarize aspects of that dataset.

Relating to statistics or employing statistical methods and techniques for analysis or inference.

Statistical methods that are used for statistical process control are, for example, control charts to check and monitor process stability or process capability analyses.

A method used to monitor and control processes by employing statistical techniques to maintain consistency and quality.

Statistical process control (SPC): The application of statistical techniques to control a process; often used interchangeably with the term “statistical quality control” (see listing).

Part of quality control with the use of statistical procedures. (On the basis of DIN 55350 11)

Quality control using statistical methods for analysis and improvement.

Quality inspection using statistical methods. (On the basis of DIN 55350 17)

A result deemed to be not likely to occur by chance alone, indicating a strong likelihood of a true effect or relationship.

Statistics: A field that involves tabulating, depicting and describing data sets; a formalized body of techniques characteristically involving attempts to infer the properties of a large collection of data from inspection of a sample of the collection.

Primary or secondary law made by the UK Parliament.

Rights guaranteed by the Mine Act to promote worker safety.

Potentially a reference guide or glossary explaining the components and use of stem and leaf plots in data visualization.

A method of building regression models by adding or removing variables based on their statistical significance.

Stop the line authority: Power given to workers to stop the process when abnormalities occur, allowing them to prevent the defect or variation from being passed along.

A sequence of illustrations or visual representations outlining a process, narrative, or project plan.

Strategic planning: The process an organization uses to envision its future and develop the appropriate strategies, goals, objectives and action plans.

Plan to achieve long term or overall objectives. (On the basis of ISO 9000:2015)

Aligning organizational functions with strategic objectives, involving precise annual plans.

Dividing or organizing data into distinct layers or categories based on specific criteria or characteristics.

A sampling method where the population is divided into subgroups (strata), and samples are taken from each subgroup.

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis: A strategic technique used to assess what an organization is facing.

Potentially referring to stress levels, a measure of psychological or physical stress experienced by an individual or system.

Stretch goals: A set of goals designed to position an organization to meet future requirements.

An organization’s hierarchical framework or structure. The structural organization regulates responsibilities, work assignments and resource allocation. The structural organization includes the company hierarchy (shown, for example, in an organizational chart), the structure of the areas or departments, the job plan, the geographic distribution (locations, branches) and the relationship to affiliated companies such as subsidiaries, parent company or partner firms. Together, the structural organizational and process organization form the business or company organization.

Structural variation: Variation caused by regular, systematic changes in output, such as seasonal patterns and long term trends.

Residuals in a statistical model scaled by an estimate of their standard deviation for outlier detection.

The exploration or analysis of variations in a study or experiment that might affect outcomes or conclusions.

Potentially context dependent, referring to different meanings or uses based on specific contexts or industries.

Supermarket, a shop floor substation for staging parts before they are finally placed on the line

Divisions within a sample or population used for analysis, often categorized based on specific criteria or factors.

Individual/organization highly concerned and responsible for providing technical accuracy in a specific subject.

Suboptimization: A condition in which gains made in one activity are offset by losses in another activity or activities that are caused by the same actions that created gains in the first activity.

Protection for confined space hazards not covered in Subpart P Excavations.

Subset of a population. (On the basis of DIN 55350 14)

Subdivision of core, support or management processes or a combination of activities. Several subprocesses form a main process.

Symbols or characters written below and to the right of other symbols, typically indicating variables or indices in mathematics or science.

A portion or part of a larger set or group that shares specific characteristics or meets certain criteria.

Success and effects diagram: The success and effects diagram is a hybrid of the fishbone diagram that uses 'five whats' instead of 'five whys' as the analysis tool to help uncover the root success of a process, rather than the root cause.

See Employee suggestion plan.

Promotion office, KPO (for KAIZEN Promotion Office)

The result of adding numbers or values together to get a total.

A statistical measure representing the sum of the squared deviations from a reference point or mean.

Condensed or aggregated information summarizing larger datasets or detailed information.

Supermarket: The storage locations of parts before they go on to the next operation. Supermarkets are managed by predetermined maximum and minimum inventory levels. Each item in the plant is at a designated location.

Supplier: A source of materials, service or information input provided to a process.

Quality audit by the customer and a means for rating suppliers. See Second party audit.

Evaluation of a supplier‘s performance by the client. Quality management systems offer various procedures for supplier evaluation.

Management of the relationships with suppliers. This includes the selection of suppliers for products that are to be procured and the stipulations for monitoring and ongoing supplier evaluation.

Supplier quality: A supplier’s ability to deliver goods or services that will satisfy customers’ needs.

Supplier quality assurance: Confidence a supplier's product or service will fulfill its customers’ needs. This confidence is achieved by creating a relationship between the customer and supplier that ensures the product will be fit for use with minimal corrective action and inspection. According to Joseph M. Juran, nine primary activities are needed: 1) define product and program quality requirements; 2) evaluate alternative suppliers; 3) select suppliers; 4) conduct joint quality planning; 5) cooperate with the supplier during the execution of the contract; 6) obtain proof of conformance to requirements; 7) certify qualified suppliers; 8) conduct quality improvement programs as required; and 9) create and use supplier quality ratings.

Supplier quality management: A system in which supplier quality is managed by using a proactive and collaborative approach. This management approach begins early in the product design and supplier selection process. It continues through the entire life cycle of a product and for the duration of the relationship with that particular supplier.

Periodic evaluation of the supplier by the customer on a regular basis and according to specific criteria, i.e., the evaluation after commencement of customer supplier relationships.

Mutually beneficial supplier relationships are one of the eight quality management principles (see Quality management principles).

See Self declaration.

Supply chain: The series of suppliers to a given process.

Optimization of the flows of materials, good and information among several partners with the use of logistics service providers.

Optimization of all elements in a value chain.

Sufficient participant knowledge of the methods regarding the performance of group work.

Process that fulfils supporting tasks for the core processes. Support processes accompany the core processes and supply data and information or regulate administrative sequences. They do not have a directly value added character and the customer is not willing to pay directly for support processes. However maintaining these processes can be just as important as maintaining core processes (see Key process). Example: A functioning computer system has a strategic significance for data administration in banks.

A graphical representation in three dimensions showing the surface of an object with a grid of lines or curves.

Surveillance: The continual monitoring of a process; a type of periodic assessment or audit conducted to determine whether a process continues to perform to a predetermined standard.

Audit that is primarily conducted annually by the certification company in order to monitor the organization‘s quality management system. Periodic surveillance audits are required in order for the certificate to remain valid throughout its term. These audits are usually not as extensive as the certification audit.

Survey: The act of examining a process or questioning a selected sample of individuals to obtain data about a process, product or service.

A graphical representation displaying survival probabilities over time in survival analysis or reliability studies.

The likelihood of an event or entity to survive or endure for a specified period, often used in survival analysis.

Sustain: The English translation of shitsuke, one of the five S’s (see listing) used for workplace organization. Sustaining (also referred to as self disciplining) is the continuation of sorting, setting in order and sanitizing. It addresses the need to perform 5S on an ongoing and systematic basis.

Sustain focuses on embedding 5S practices into the culture, ensuring ongoing adherence, and continuous improvement.

Surveillance of Work Related & Occupational Respiratory Diseases.

Strength – Weakness – Opportunity – Threats:

A strategic planning technique evaluating Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats concerning a project or business.

A visual representation, character, or sign used to represent an idea, quantity, or concept.

A graphical representation indicating symmetry or lack thereof in a dataset or distribution.

Symptom: An observable phenomenon arising from and accompanying a defect.

A production system where operations or processes occur in coordination or simultaneously, minimizing delays or idle time.

Creativity technique and problem solving method for complex tasks that stimulates thought processes that run without the person being conscious of them. It was developed by the American William Gordon (1961). In this method, apparently unrelated facts are brought together. The problem is first made unfamiliar through the formation of analogies and then confrontation with independent structures is used to find a link that leads to surprising solutions.

Rules or guidelines governing the arrangement or structure of language, programming code, or mathematical notation.

System: A group of interdependent processes and people that together perform a common mission.

The system approach to management is one of the quality management principles (see Quality management principles).

Tool for the evaluation of the management system with regard to the fulfillment of the corporate policy and the comprehensive sets of rules. The system audit comprises the following phases: Preparation, document inspection, performance, audit report preparation, initiation of corrective actions. See Audit.

See Failure Mode and Effects Analysis.

System kaizen: Improvement aimed at an entire value stream.

A sampling method involving selecting samples at regular intervals or using a systematic approach within a population.