Improved runs-rules precedence charts for monitoring the process location parameter

Abstract Runs-rules are typically incorporated into control charts to increase their sensitivity to detect small process shifts. However, a drawback of this approach is that the resulting charts are unable to detect large shifts quickly. In this paper, improved runs-rules are introduced to the nonparametric precedence chart to address this limitation by maintaining the sensitivity to small process shifts, while improving the ability to detect large shifts in the process. Performance comparisons between the proposed precedence charts and the precedence charts with standard runs-rules are made in terms of their respective run-length characteristics. The results reveal that the precedence charts with improved runs-rules are superior to the competing charts in detecting large shifts in the process, while maintaining the same sensitivity in the detection of small shifts. A real-life example from the engineering field is given to demonstrate the application and implementation of the new charts.