Stat-Ease | The DOE FAQ Alert Vol. 23 No. 4

Vol. 23, No. 4 - July/August 2023

IN THIS ISSUE: optimization insights, premier of biotech class, Oppenheimer quote and more

FAQ

Why do solutions vary for numerical optimization?

Original question from a Technical Manager:
“Solutions for numerical optimization change when I return with the same criteria. Why is that?”

Answer from Stat-Ease Consultant Joe Carriere:
"Solutions for the overall most desirable combination of inputs vary due to the hill-climbing algorithm starting from random points (settings). Before our current v22 of Stat-Ease software this caused solutions to differ somewhat, often imperceptibly, upon re-opening your file. Now we save an indicator that maintains reproducibility."

More from Mark:
If you would like to learn more about how our numeric optimization works, see:

The “Optimization Overview” thread provided in your program (press Next to dig down). Or search for this topic via Help, Contents.
Shari Kraber’s June 1 blog: "Unraveling the Mystery of Multi-Response Optimization."
Her 2020 webinar, "Multiple Response Optimization Unveiled."

I advise all users to keep their software versions updated with our constant stream of improvements!

(Learn more about numerical optimization by enrolling in Response Surface Methods for Peak Performance.)

EVENTS
I will be speaking on behalf of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) for their:

Academy—a webinar on Multifactor Experiment-Design for Process Development on September 13 at 1 pm US Central Time (open to all for a small fee—discounted for members)

2023 AIChE Annual Meeting (Orlando)—a workshop on Highly Efficient DOE for Rapid Process Development on November 5 at 3:30 pm US Eastern Time.

Also, I have recently joined the American Chemical (ACS) Speaker Directory—ACS ID and Login required. Check out my profile and contact me if you are interested in booking me for a speaking engagement.

Click here to view the complete list of Stat-Ease events.

Do you need a speaker on DOE for a learning session within your company or professional society at regional, national, or international levels? If so, please get back to me.

WEBINARS
Free webinars — Sign up now to take advantage

August 2—Dive into Diagnostics to Uncover Data Discrepancies by Shari Kraber
August 9—New-User Intro to Design-Expert Software by Richard Williams
August 23—Selecting a Most Useful Predictive Model by me

Click here to view the times, descriptions and registration links for all upcoming live webinars. Sign up now to advance your DOE know-how!

INFO
Do you experiment with mixture ingredients or know someone who does? If so, look into my newly revised Primer on Mixture Design: What’s in It for Formulators, posted at our “I’m a formulator” Quick Start Resources page. Please pass along this free resource to colleagues who do not yet take advantage of multicomponent DOE.

WORKSHOPS
Sharpen up on DOE—Enroll before classes fill

✓ ESSENTIALS courses: 2 half-days online, $595
Foundations of Factorial DOE for Breakthroughs August 7-8, October 30-31
Fractional Factorials for Process Development August 10-11, November 2-3
Response Surface Methods for Peak Performance August 17-18, November 13-14
Optimal Tools for Formulation Development August 14-15

Comprehensive DOE courses: online learning
Mixture Design for Optimal Formulations 4 half-days, $1095: September 18-21
Modern DOE for Process Optimization 5 half-days, $1195: December 4-8

Industry-specific DOE course: 5 half-days online, $1195
(Premier!) Designed Experiments for BioTech & Pharma October 9-13

See this web page for the complete schedule of upcoming Stat-Ease courses. To enroll in the workshop that suits you best, click Register on that page, or click here to contact us.

If you lead a group of 6 or more colleagues, save money and customize content via a private workshop. For a quote, please contact us.

BLOGS
StatsMadeEasy Blog
My wry look at all things statistical and/or scientific with an engineering perspective.

Stat-Ease Blog
Great tips from the Stat-Ease team for making DOE easy, for example, this recent posting by Pat Whitcomb on The Importance of Center Points in Central Composite Designs.

Feel free to get back to me via mark@statease.com with further questions or comments: I would really appreciate hearing from you!

All the best,

Mark J. Anderson, PE, CQE, MBA
Engineering Consultant, Stat-Ease, Inc.
www.linkedin.com/in/markstat/

“There is no place for dogma in science. The scientist is free, and must be free to ask any question, to doubt any assertion, to seek for any evidence, to correct any errors.”

—J. Robert Oppenheimer (Source: "J. Robert Oppenheimer" by L. Barnett, Life Magazine, October 10,1949, p136.)

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