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Common and Special Cause Variation

1920
  • Walter A. Shewhart
Quality control engineer analyzing process variations in manufacturing statistics.

(generated image for illustration only)

A core principle of SPC distinguishing between two types of process variation. Common cause variation is the inherent, random “noise” within a process that is stable and predictable. Special cause variation, or assignable cause, stems from external, identifiable sources, indicating process instability. The goal is to eliminate special causes and reduce common cause variation.

The distinction between common and special causes of variation is the bedrock upon which Statistical Process Control is built. Walter A. Shewhart, while working at Bell Labs, recognized that variation is inherent in any process, but not all variation is equal. He categorized it into two types. Common cause variation is the cumulative effect of many small, unavoidable causes. It is a natural part of the process and, when only common causes are present, the process is considered stable, in-control, and predictable within statistical limits. Examples include slight variations in material properties, ambient temperature, or machine vibration. This variation creates a distribution that is typically normal.

In contrast, special cause variation (also called assignable cause) arises from specific, identifiable circumstances that are not part of the process’s usual operation. These causes are intermittent, unpredictable, and result in a process that is out of statistical control. Examples could be a new, untrained operator, a faulty batch of raw material, a machine malfunction, or a change in measurement method. The key objective of SPC is to first detect the presence of special causes using tools like control charts. Once detected, these causes can be investigated and eliminated, bringing the process back into a state of statistical control. Only after a process is stable (i.e., free of special causes) can one meaningfully work on reducing the common cause variation to improve process capability.

UNESCO Nomenclature: 1209
– Statistics

Type

Abstract System

Disruption

Foundational

Usage

Widespread Use

Precursors

  • probability theory
  • normal distribution theory (De Moivre, Laplace, Gauss)
  • early concepts of industrial quality inspection
  • scientific management principles (Frederick Winslow Taylor)

Applications

  • Six Sigma methodology
  • Total Quality Management (TQM)
  • lean manufacturing
  • healthcare quality improvement
  • financial process monitoring

Patents:

NA

Potential Innovations Ideas

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Related to: common cause, special cause, assignable cause, variation, process stability, Shewhart, quality control, statistical process control, in-control, out-of-control.

Historical Context

Common and Special Cause Variation

1899
1900
1911
1920
1924
1925
1930
1896
1900
1903
1914
1922
1925
1928
1930

(if date is unknown or not relevant, e.g. "fluid mechanics", a rounded estimation of its notable emergence is provided)

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