ABSTRACT
This chapter helps to understand typical process optimization steps after running the design of experiments (DOEs). It reviews some of the common what-ifs when applied in an actual application. There are typically three phases to the follow-up process. Follow-up testing is to determine optimal settings of the critical factors, followed by confirmation of the optimized process, and then actual implementation or what is commonly called "go live" or implementation in the actual operation. In most real manufacturing processes, this may consume the majority of the project budget. Before running this follow-up testing, one should run the center point first to reconfirm the results obtained during the initial DOE. An easy method to teach this confirmation step is with the experimental helicopter and rack system. There should be no significant difference between the run and the optimization point found in the DOE.
