EXPLANATION 51

4. Matrix Diagram Method

(1) What is the matrix diagram method?

The matrix diagram method is an approach to finding a lead to problem solution by considering
combinations of elements relating to a problem and thereby clarifying the degree of the
interrelationship of these elements.

Row1column A

A B C D
Row1columnC
1 1A 1B 1C
C

2 2B Row2column B

3 3A 3B 3C

(2) Applications of matrix diagrams Row3column C

4
Application Example of use
In establishing departmental or sectional policies, keep these
Promoting policy policies consistent with higher-order policies or the policies of
control related departments, and determine matters that must be done with
special emphasis.
Associate customer-required quality with the quality characteristics
Developing quality
of the product concerned.
Make clear the interrelation between the phenomena, causes and
Measures against
measures of problems so that all necessary measures will be
problems
taken.
Discover important factors in connection with the development of
New products, new products or improvement in existing products by linking the
product improvement hardware and software functions of products or associating product
functions.
Sorting out means Evaluate many means from various aspects, and determine priority.
52 EXPLANATION

(3) Stages in QC stories at which the affinity diagram method should be used

Problem-solving type Step Issue-achieving type

◎ Selecting a theme 1 Selecting a theme ◎
○ Planning activities 2 Planning activities ○
◎ Grasping the current situation 3 Making clear issues ◎
Setting goals 4 Setting goals
◎ Analyzing factors 5 Planning measures ◎
◎ Planning measures 6 Pursuing the optimum measure ◎
Carrying out the measures 7 Carrying out the optimum measure
Confirming the effect of the Confirming the effect of the
8 ○
measures optimum measure
Entrenching and standardizing Entrenching and standardizing the
◎ 9 ○
the measures optimum measure
Reflecting on the results and Reflecting on the results and
◎ 10 ◎
determining future activities determining future activities
◎: Frequently used　　○: Used

(4) Types of matrix diagrams

A matrix diagram basically consists of a vertical axis and a horizontal axis but can combine three
or more axes, making it possible to create more types of matrix diagrams and ensure a wider
range of applications. Since all of these matrix diagrams are made of combinations of L-type
matrix diagrams, three L-type matrix diagrams may also be used instead of a Y-type matrix
diagram.

L-type matrix diagram T-type matrix diagram

This is the most basic matrix diagram and
shows the relationship between the two
axes, A and B.
With three axes arranged in the form of T,
this matrix diagram can show the
relationship between A and B and between B
and C, or two L-type matrix diagrams, at a
time.

c4c3c2c1a1a2a3a4b1b2b3b4
C A
b1b2b3b4b5b6a1a2a3a4a5a6
B
B
A
 EXPLANATION 53

Y-type matrix diagram X-type matrix diagram

With three axes arranged in the form of With four axes arranged in the form of X, this
Y, this matrix diagram can show the matrix diagram can show the relationship
relationship between A and B, between between A and B, between B and C, between
B and C, and between C and A, or three C and D, and between D and A, or four L-type
L-type matrix diagrams, at a time. matrix diagrams, at a time.

d5d4d3d2d1c5c4c3c2c1a1a2a3a4a5b1b2b3b4b5

c5 a5
c4 a4
c3 a3
c2 a2 D
c1 a1 C A
C A
B B

b1
b2
b3
b4

b5

P-type matrix diagram(P:Polygon) C-type matrix diagram(C:Cube)

Comprising five or more axes, this matrix With three axes arranged three-
diagram shows the relationships between the dimensionally, this matrix diagram shows
axes next to each other at a time. the relationship among the three axes.

Ｃ
c5

Ｃ Ｄ c4
c5 d5
d4 c3
c4
c3 d3
c2 (a3,b3,c4 ）
c2 d2
c1 d1 c1
C D
b1 a1 Ａ
B
b1 A
E b2 a2 a3 a4 a5
e1
b2 e2
b3 a1 e3 b3
b4 e4
[Step 1] Determine
b5 a theme.
a2 e5 b4
Ｂ Ｅ b5
a3
Consider the aim (for example, what we want to make clear or what we want to obtain) of using
a4
a matrix diagram, and determine
a5 a theme. Ｂ

Ａ
[Step 2] Determine the elements and items to be put in the rows and columns.

Select “elements” and their breakdown “items,” which form pairs, from among the phenomena of
54 EXPLANATION

the problem.

<Points>
① If an affinity diagram, relation diagram, or systematic diagram is already prepared for
the theme, these elements can be derived from it.
② The most important point in connection with a matrix diagram is what elements are to
be combined with the theme.
(Example) • Phenomenon of problem – Process
• Quality characteristic – Process control item
• Required function – Alternative characteristic
• Phenomenon of problem – Cause
• Quality characteristic – Test measurement item
• Cause of problem – Measure
• Higher-order policy – Lower-order policy
③ Select “elements” and “items” of the same abstraction level. Do not select those which
are overlapping or contradictory.
(Example) Engineering Department, Quality Assurance Department,
Planning Control Department, Manufacturing Department,
Manufacturing Section 1
→ “Manufacturing Section 1” is included in the “Manufacturing
Department.” Accordingly, they are not of the same abstraction level.

[Step 3] Select a matrix diagram type, and assign elements to each axis.

Select a proper matrix diagram type according to the number of elements. Assign elements to
each axis taking into account the ease of view and use.

[Step 4] Enter items along each axis.

 EXAMPLE 55

[Step 1] Determine a theme.

Theme: Selecting a means to prevent cracks in insulators

[Step 2] Determine the elements and items to be put in the rows and columns.

Element Item
• Change the number of degassing operations.
• Change the degassing position.
• Change the cooling time.
Means
• Change the cooling route.
• Change the resin components.
• Increase the quantity of resin powder.
Evaluation • Cost　• Quality　• Operability　• Feasibility　• Effect
[Step 3] Select a matrix diagram type, and assign elements to each axis.

When the number of elements is two → L-type matrix diagram

Evaluate means. → Vertical axis: means, horizontal axis: evaluation

[Step 4] Enter items along each axis.

<Without weighting> Cost Quality Operability Feasibility Effect

Change the number of degassing perations.
Change the degassing position.
Change the cooling time.
Change the cooling route.
Change the resin components.
Increase the quantity of resin powder.
56 PREPARATION

[Step 5] Enter whether there is any relationship between items and the degree of
the relationship in the box at which the item intersect.

Enter whether there is any relationship between items and the degree of the relationship in the
box at which the item intersect.

<Points>
① Although symbols, such as ◎, ○, △, and X, are used to show the relationship, ranks
(numbers) of three- or five-rank evaluations or data, such as ○ kg or ○ pieces, are
also entered.
② Determine whether there is any relationship between items and the degree of the
relationship by careful consultation among the parties concerned based on evaluation
criteria, etc.

[Step 6] Consider a matrix diagram, and obtain information.

Information required to solve the problem can be obtained through the following two methods:
① Tally up the points of each row and column, and obtain information from rows and columns
with high points.
② Obtain information from boxes at which the items intersect.

<Points>
① In tallying up the points of rows and columns, points may be given in the same
manner when all items are evaluated on the same level. However, if there is any
point on which special emphasis is placed, it can be clearly distinguished from
others by assigning weights to it.

<Without weighting> Cost Quality Operability Feasibility Effect Total

Change the number of degassing perations. ◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ◎ 23
Change the degassing position. △ ◎ ◎ △ ○ 14
Change the cooling time. ◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ○ 21
Change the cooling route. △ ○ ◎ △ ○ 12
Change the resin components. △ ○ ◎ ◎ ◎ 18.5
Increase the quantity of resin powder. △ ○ ◎ ◎ ○ 16.5
◎ = 5 points, ○ = 3 points, △ = 0.5 point

② Total points can be calculated not only by addition but also by multiplication.
③ When obtaining information from the boxes at which the items intersect, it is important
to pay attention to unrelated intersection boxes and thereby find new viewpoints.
 EXERCISE 57

[Step 5] Enter whether there is any relationship between items and the degree of
the relationship in the box at which the item intersect.

<Without weighting> Cost Quality Operability Feasibility Effect

Change the number of degassing perations. ◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ◎
Change the degassing position. △ ◎ ◎ △ ○
Change the cooling time. ◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ○
Change the cooling route. △ ○ ◎ △ ○
Change the resin components. △ ○ ◎ ◎ ◎
Increase the quantity of resin powder. △ ○ ◎ ◎ ○

[Step 6] Consider a matrix diagram, and obtain information.

Points are assigned to the symbols: ◎ = 5 points, ○ = 3 points, △ = 0.5 point.

These points are doubled for quality and tripled for effect because emphasis is to be
placed on quality and effect.

Quality Effect
<Without weighting> Cost Operability Feasibiity Total Priority
(x 2) (x 3)
Change the number of degassing perations. ◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ◎ 38 ①

Change the degassing position. △ ◎ ◎ △ ○ 25 ⑤

Change the cooling time. ◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ○ 32 ②

Change the cooling route. △ ○ ◎ △ ○ 21 ⑥

Change the resin components. △ ○ ◎ ◎ ◎ 31.5 ③

Increase the quantity of resin powder. △ ○ ◎ ◎ ○ 25.5 ④

[Step 7] Enter necessary information.

Enter the theme, the date of preparation, the person(s) who prepared the diagram, and a
summary.
58 EXERCISE
 EXAMPLE 59

[Step 7] Enter necessary information.

Theme: Selecting a means to prevent cracks in insulators

<Without weighting> Cost Quality Operability Feasibility Effect Cost Quality

Change the number of degassing perations. ◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ◎ 38 ①

Change the degassing position. △ ◎ ◎ △ ○ 25 ⑤

Change the cooling time. ◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ○ 32 ②

Change the cooling route. △ ○ ◎ △ ○ 21 ⑥

Change the resin components. △ ○ ◎ ◎ ◎ 31.5 ③

Increase the quantity of resin powder. △ ○ ◎ ◎ ○ 25.5 ④

60 EXAMPLE

Points: ◎ = 5 points, ○ = 3 points, △ = 0.5 point

Important items: Quality → doubled, effect → tripled

Summary: “Change the number of degassing operations” is considered the optimum means. The
next best means is “Change the cooling time.”

Prepared on: April 19, 2005

Prepared by: Kugimiya, Deguchi, Konoe, Nonaka
 EXAMPLE 61

Theme: Ideas on improvement of Quality-evaluation System

62 EXAMPLE
 EXAMPLE 63

Theme: Matrix of required quality of water-pipe fittings and substitute features

(Systematic diagram and L-type matrix)