Methodological Assessment of Data Suitability for Defect Prediction

Methodology/Approach: A seven-phase methodology is developed in which the data suitability for defect prediction in interlinked production steps is assessed. For this purpose, the manufacturing process is mapped and potential influencing variables on the origin of defects are identified. The available data is evaluated and quantified with regard to the criteria relevancy, completeness, appropriate amount of data, accessibility and interpretability. The individual assessments are then visualized in an overview, gaps in data acquisition are identified and needs for action are derived.

Findings: The research shows a seven-phase methodology to systematically assess data suitability for defect prediction and identify data gaps in interlinked production steps.

Research Limitation/implication: This research is limited to the analysis of contextual data quality for the use case of defect prediction. Other data analytics applications or processes outside of manufacturing are not included.

Originality/Value of paper: The paper provides a new approach to identify gaps in data acquisition by systematically assessing data suitability for defect prediction and deducting needs for action. The accuracy of predictive defect models is then to be improved by the subsequent optimization of the data basis.