Understanding First Time Yield Measurement

First Time Yield (FTY), a crucial metric in manufacturing, is a measure of the effectiveness and efficiency of a production process. It provides insights into the quality of the manufacturing process by determining the percentage of products manufactured correctly the first time, without the need for any rework or repair. This article delves into the concept of FTY, its importance, and a step-by-step guide on how to measure it.

What is First Time Yield?

First Time Yield (FTY) is a quality metric used in the manufacturing industry to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a production process. It measures the proportion of products produced that meet the required quality standards on the first attempt, without any need for rework or repair.

The formula for calculating First Time Yield is as follows:

First Time Yield = Number of non-defective or good units / Total number of products manufactured

This formula provides a straightforward way to quantify the performance of a manufacturing process.

Why is First Time Yield Important?

First Time Yield is a critical measure in manufacturing as it directly impacts the cost, efficiency, and quality of the production process. A high FTY indicates a well-controlled and efficient process, which translates into lower costs and higher customer satisfaction.

On the other hand, a low FTY suggests that there are issues within the production process that need to be addressed. These could be related to equipment, materials, or the process itself. Identifying and resolving these issues can lead to significant improvements in the overall efficiency and quality of the manufacturing process.

How to Measure First Time Yield

Step 1: Identify Non-Defective Units

The first step in measuring First Time Yield is to identify the number of non-defective or good units. These are the products that meet the required quality standards on the first attempt, without any need for rework or repair.

It's important to note that only the products that pass the quality check on the first attempt are considered non-defective units. Any products that require rework or repair, regardless of whether they eventually pass the quality check, are not included in this count.

Step 2: Determine Total Number of Products Manufactured

The next step is to determine the total number of products manufactured. This includes all products, regardless of whether they meet the quality standards on the first attempt or require rework or repair.

It's crucial to include all products in this count to ensure an accurate measure of the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the production process.

Step 3: Calculate First Time Yield

Once you have identified the number of non-defective units and the total number of products manufactured, you can calculate the First Time Yield. Simply divide the number of non-defective units by the total number of products manufactured.

Remember, the First Time Yield is a percentage, so multiply the result by 100 to get the First Time Yield percentage. A higher percentage indicates a more efficient and effective production process.

Limitations of First Time Yield

While First Time Yield is a valuable measure of the efficiency and effectiveness of a production process, it's important to note that it does not take into account rework or repair. This means that a high FTY does not necessarily indicate a flawless production process.

For example, a manufacturing process may produce a high number of non-defective units on the first attempt, resulting in a high FTY. However, if a significant number of these units require rework or repair, the process may not be as efficient or effective as the FTY suggests.

Therefore, while FTY is a useful metric, it should be used in conjunction with other measures to get a comprehensive view of the performance of a manufacturing process.

Conclusion

First Time Yield is a critical measure in manufacturing, providing valuable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of a production process. By understanding how to calculate and interpret FTY, manufacturers can identify areas for improvement, enhance the quality of their products, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction.