Module 3 · Lesson 13 of 17
Baseline performance, DPU, DPO, DPMO, and yield
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Learning objectives
- Compute DPU, DPO, DPMO and first-pass yield.
- Distinguish defective units from defects.
- Choose defensible opportunity counts.
Baseline formulas
- DPU = defects ÷ units.
- DPO = defects ÷ (units × opportunities per unit).
- DPMO = DPO × 1,000,000.
- First-Pass Yield = units passing without rework ÷ units processed.
Assumptions and interpretation
Opportunities must be defensible — inflating them lowers DPMO artificially. Rolled Throughput Yield multiplies step yields only when steps are independent.
Defects per unit and defective-unit rate differ whenever a garment can carry multiple defects.
Garment-factory example
500 polos with 80 recorded seam defects give DPU = 0.16. If each polo has 8 defensible opportunities, DPO = 80 / (500×8) = 0.02 and DPMO = 20,000. The defective-unit rate is a separate count of garments with at least one defect.
Method
- Freeze the unit, defect and opportunity definitions.
- Count consistently across the study window.
- Report FPY separately from post-repair yield.
- State assumptions and rework rule.
Common mistakes
- Inflating opportunities to lower DPMO.
- Reporting final yield after repair as first-pass yield.
Knowledge check
Pick one answer per question. Explanations appear after you submit.
1. First-Pass Yield differs from final yield because:
2. Doubling opportunities per unit:
Author: NOSK.life · Last reviewed: 2026-07-21