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Understanding Variation

A FactWise Masterclass

Learn how to separate real change from natural variation, and stop reacting to noise.

Whenever there is data, there is variation. And ignoring it leads directly to wrong decisions, wasted time, unnecessary investigations, false alarms, and expensive “solutions”.

KPI’s go slightly up or down, people react.
Teams are sent searching for root causes…
Actions are launched…
Hours, days and sometimes weeks are invested…

All because a metric changed.
While in reality, most changes are simply natural variation.

This masterclass helps you break that cycle.

This Masterclass teaches you:

The skill organisations desperately lack: distinguishing noise from real signals, and acting only when action is truly needed.

When?

September 2026

Where?

Gent and Antwerp
Join the class

What you will learn

You will learn to characterise process variation, distinguish real signals from noise, and understand why not every fluctuation requires action.

What I cover

  • What variation really is, and why decisions go wrong because it is misunderstood.
  • The two types of variation, and how to recognise them.
  • Process Behaviour Charts, as a practical tool to reveal what your process is really doing.
  • When you should act…and when you must not.
  • Which charts to use, and which ones to avoid.
  • The common pitfalls and misunderstandings that mislead teams every day.
  • How to apply all concepts immediately to your own data and processes.
  • Removing the myths about the charts.

Everything is explained with clear theory and real-world examples, so you can apply it the next day.

Format

  • Live, in-person masterclass (or company session)
  • Small group, interactive setting
  • Conceptual clarity over technical detail
  • Discussion, examples, and structured reasoning

Outcome

After this masterclass you clearly understand how variation really works. It will help you to reduce wasted effort and frustration, prevent false alarms, and make more confident decisions based on how data and processes truly behave.

About your instructor

Luc Poelman is the founder of FactWise.

With over 25 years of experience in operational excellence, quality management, interim leadership and Lean Six Sigma, he has supported organisations across sectors such as Food, Pharma, Manufacturing, Banking and Automotive.

Luc holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Science (VUB). He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, with additional education in Minitab statistical software, Production & Inventory Management (CIM-CIL) and Business Controllership (Vlerick).

Committed to lifelong learning and practical application, he continuously develops his expertise at the intersection of data, decision-making, and evidence integrity.

His objective for this masterclass: help you understand variation, so you can clearly distinguish noise from signal — and make better decisions about when to intervene, and when clearly not.

Who is this Masterclass for?

This masterclass is for operations professionals who use data, dashboards, and KPIs to make decisions — and want to distinguish real signals from noise.

If you aim to understand process behaviour, avoid reacting to random variation, and focus improvement efforts where they truly matter, this masterclass is for you.

Typical participants work in Quality, Operational Excellence, Engineering, Supply Chain, or EHS, across sectors such as Food, Manufacturing, and Pharma.


This masterclasses is not for you if you…

  • Are explicitly looking for software training (Excel, R, Python, SPSS, etc.)

  • Want advanced mathematical statistics or academic proofs

  • Expect quick tricks to make numbers “say what you want”

  • Prefer opinions over evidence

  • Are unwilling to question familiar metrics or accepted conclusions

Questions or practical matters?

If you have any questions about the masterclass content, timing, or practical arrangements, feel free to contact me at  info@factwise.be

Practical details

Upcoming sessions
Gent — 3 September 2026
Antwerp — 17 September 2026

Location
Meetdistrict Gent
Meetdistrict Antwerp

Both easily accessible with ample parking.

Timing
09:00 – 17:00

Price
€ 690 excl. VAT

Included
Sandwich lunch
Coffee, tea and water throughout the day

Language
Slides & materials: English
Masterclass delivery: Dutch (or English if preferred)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need statistical knowledge?

Familiarity with some basic statistics is helpful, but not essential. Concepts such as averages, variation, and the normal distribution will be refreshed during the masterclass. We ensure that everyone can follow with confidence.

What software do I need?

A laptop with Excel and a trial version of Minitab is required. Throughout the masterclass, we will work hands-on with real datasets — including your own. Installation instructions for the Minitab trial version will be provided after registration.

Do I receive a certificate?

Yes. A certificate of completion can be provided upon simple request.

Is the KMO-portefeuille applicable?

No, this masterclass is not eligible for the KMO-portefeuille.

Is an in-company format possible?

Yes. I can deliver this masterclass within your organisation. Feel free to request a tailored proposal via info@factwise.be

Join the Masterclass

If this Masterclass aligns with the way you want to understand and use data, register today for a full day of practical learning.

How registration works

Registering for the masterclass is straightforward and only takes a minute.

1. Submit your registration
Complete the registration form with your contact details.

2. Confirmation and invoice
You will receive a confirmation email and the invoice for your participation shortly after registration.

3. Secure your place
Your seat is confirmed upon receipt of payment.

4. Practical information
Detailed practical information will follow approximately two weeks before the session.

If you have any questions regarding the masterclass, feel free to contact me at info@factwise.be

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