ABB Basic Quality Tools Series

Matrix Diagram
Compare two or more sets of data against one another

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15 July 2010, Slide 1
 Matrix Diagram
Overview
What is it for?
A graphical comparison of two or more sets of data to identify the
relationships between these sets.
It can be used to evaluate how well a solution meets given
requirements and expectations.
Where could I use it? Example
Use it during the analysis phase to determine how well requirements
are met.
Use it in the design process to translate customer requirements and Service features

expectations into processes and products

Local country agents

Key to cell scores

Specialist engineers
9 = high correlation

On-site education

Unweighted total
3 = moderate correlation

Priority shipping

Weighted total
1 = low correlation
How do I use it?
Customer

priority
Define the purpose Customer service needs (1 to 5)
Understand my needs 4 9 9 36
Select the appropriate matrix On-time delivery
Works first time
1
4
9 1 10
0
10
0

Define the lists Easy to learn

Rapid fixing of problems
3
5 3 9
3 3
12
9
60
Easy to call for help 5 9 1 10 50
Score the relationships Unweighted total
Weighted total
9
9
22
97
9
45
4
14
Interpret the findings
Take action

Risks and how to avoid them

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15 July 2010, Slide 2
 Matrix Diagram

What is it for?
Uses of this tool:
The Matrix Diagram is used to compare two or more sets of data against one another, particularly
when they have many-to-many relationships (the most common matrix, the L-Matrix, compares two
sets of data).
Use it to score the sets of data being compared on related factors also, allowing a deeper analysis
and conclusions.
It can be used to evaluate how well a solution meets given requirements and expectations.

Expected Benefits:
In complex situations the Matrix Diagram is very effective for identifying priorities and relationships for
possible improvement.
It can also be used to demonstrate how well an overall need is being met by multi-part solutions.

ABB Group 9AKK105151D1=0111

15 July 2010, Slide 3
 Matrix Diagram

Where could I use it?

Background: Uses:
Many business settings involve translation Use it during problem analysis to determine
from one are into another, such as whether requirements are fully represented in a
requirements into process or product design product or process.
into marketing materials. In doing so it is easy
Using during solution development, to ensure all
to mis-translate and therefore lose something
requirements are being covered.
of the original requirement or expectation.
It can also be used during test design to ensure
Other situations require comparison of two
all tests cover all requirements and designed
complex situations which can each be
features.
described in lists, such as requirements or
solution attributes. In planning, it can be used to check that planned
activities cover all appropriate areas.
The Matrix Diagram was designed to resolve
such situations.
The Matrix Diagram is used also as a part of
the House of Quality in Quality Function
Deployment (QFD).

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15 July 2010, Slide 4
 Matrix Diagram

How do I use it? - Procedure and Guidance Notes:

Clarify your purpose, including what is included and not included in this analysis. For example, Evaluate how well the service processes
meet customer requirements and expectations.
Define the
purpose

There are several different types of Matrix Diagram. The most common one is the L- Before using more detailed matrices, verify that these,
Matrix, followed by the T-Matrix. rather than several L-Matrices are appropriate to your
Select the needs.
See the full set of matrices on the next slide.
appropriate matrix

Identify the contents of the lists to be compared. This can be a significant operation, In an L-Matrix, the input, requirements or what list is
such when finding real customer requirements and expectations. usually on the left, with the second how or solution list at
Define the the top.
Put the lists in the matrix.
lists

Identify a scoring scheme to compare each set of data against one another. A common scoring for correlation is 1=weak, 3=moderate,
For each cell in the matrix consider whether a score is appropriate, then use the 9=strong.
Score scheme to allocate a score. You can also use weighting such as for list item importance
It can be helpful to sum each column. or difficulty of implementation.
the relationships

Examine the final matrix to find areas of particular interest. Empty (or nearly empty) rows can show unfulfilled needs.
Look for clusters, high and low scores, or empty columns or rows. Empty columns can show solutions which do not fulfil
Interpret the needs.
findings

Focus and act on the most important things you have discovered. This can include a next-level matrix, where the how of this
matrix becomes the what of the next matrix.
Take action

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15 July 2010, Slide 5
 Matrix Diagram
How do I use it? Types of Matrix Diagram:

Item 1 Item A
Item 2 Item B
Item 3 Item C Item I
Item 1
Item 4 Item D Item II
Item 2
Item 5 Item E Item III
Item 3
Item IV
Item 4
Item V
Item 5
L-matrix
Compares one set of data against one other C-matrix
Compares three sets of data against one
another, simultaneously Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
Item I
Item 5
Item II
Item III T-matrix
Compares one set of data against
two others, in pairs

Item 1
Item 1 Item 2
Item 2 Item 3
Item 3 Item 4
Item 5
X-matrix
Compares four sets of data, each against two Y-matrix
others, in pairs
Compares three sets of data, each against one
another, in pairs
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15 July 2010, Slide 6
 Matrix Diagram
Risks and how to avoid them:
Risks :
Using the Matrix Diagram where the effort and investment
outweigh the benefits gained.
Using large sets of data which result in massive matrices
(100 by 100 data items is 10000 relationships!).
Scoring most cells, resulting in a dense matrix where it is
difficult to identify significant priorities and relationships.
Steps to avoid them :
Check the purpose and use of Matrix Diagrams before
applying them.
Re-focus at each stage, staying aware of how decisions
now will affect future work and decisions.
To be useful, the matrix needs to be simple enough to
communicate to others. So ensure in planning the work
with this tool that the work will not be too complex to
complete and you will be able to communicate the
results.

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15 July 2010, Slide 7
 Matrix Diagram
Example

1. Define purpose
Service features
Revise service features to
better meet customer needs

Local country agents

Key to cell scores

Specialist engineers
9 = high correlation

On-site education

Unweighted total
3 = moderate correlation

Priority shipping

2. Select matrix
Two sets of data, so
use L-Matrix
3. Define sets of data
Weighted total
1 = low correlation
Customer
priority
Customer service needs (1 to 5)
Understand my needs 4 9 9 36
On-time delivery 1 9 1 10 10
Works first time 4 0 0
Easy to learn 3 3 3 9
Rapid fixing of problems 5 3 9 12 60
Easy to call for help 5 9 1 10 50
Unweighted total 9 22 9 4
Weighted total 9 97 45 14
6. Take action
4. Score relationships

5. Interpret

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15 July 2010, Slide 8