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Funnel Experiment SimulatorDeming's Funnel Experiment Simulator
 Deming's Red Bead Experiment Simulator Also see:  
Deming's Red Bead Experiment Simulator

The funnel experiment is a famous illustration by Dr. W. Edwards Deming to show the adverse effects of adjusting a process when not required.

A process not subject to any external causes of variation also shows some random variation. If you adjust the process in response to such random variation, you would be overadjusting the process. Overadjustment actually induces more variation in the process than would occur if a random cause process is left alone.

These principles are illustrated by simulating adjustments in a random cause process of dropping beads through a funnel. Various methods of process adjustments are simulated through four rules. The rules adjust the process in different ways and let you observe the outcome.

Simulator

The funnel experiment simulator enables you perform the experiment on your computer. The visually appealing graphics give you the same clarity as performing the experiment with a real funnel. The simulator does away with the problems associated with the mechanical apparatus. You do not have to keep leveling the table, neither do you have to actually measure and plot the data. The simulator mimics the real variation that occurs due to randomness of the process as well as the one caused by systematically adjusting the funnel. Plotting of scatter maps and run charts for each adjustment rule is automatic. You can visually compare the scatter maps for various adjustment rules. The funnel experiment session goes at a brisk pace. The visual appeal is maintained intact for an easy understanding.

Comparison plots for the four rules

Rule 1 gives lower variation than Rule 2, Rule 3 tends to blow up, and Rule 4 results in a "random walk".
Rule 1Rule 2Rule 3Rule 4


Explanation of the four rules
  • On clicking the "Exlain" button, the simulator displays a lucid explaination of how the four rules work.

  • Through "Runs Summary", you can compare up to eight previous simulation results.

  • The simulator includes an option to raise and lower the funnel in order to change the "inherent" variation in the process.

  • The simulator also plots a run chart showing the deviation from target at each drop of the marble.
DownloadDownload Funnel Simulator

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Tom Kochuyt:
Very useful to illustrate the concept of tampering.

Christopher Cleveland:
Sure beats my explanation to Yellow belts..... Gets the point across and saves time.

Jack Meagher:
This is the best representation of the funnel experiment I have seen when you have the "Explain" option which visually shows what the rules mean.

Kevin Mader:
I liked the Funnel Experiment and it had me looking up the distributions in OOTC. It was spot on. I also liked that you gave the user the option to raise and lower the funnel. Having an explanation of the Rules was also very good.

Keith Taylor:
Very clear explanation of rules for the funnel experiment.

Robert Samagalsky:
Your Funnel simulation is most ingenious and well done.
Try: Click here to try out the Simulator FREE on-line.

Download: Download stand-alone version of the Funnel Experiment Simulator.

Buy: Single-User License: US$ 49 .
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Check out this excellent article on
Dr. Deming's Funnel Simulator
by Steven Prevette.
Other Training Aids
From Symphony:		 Deming's Red Bead Experiment Simulator Deming's Red Bead Experiment Simulator Quincunx SPC Simulator
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