The seven basic tools of quality

by Matthew Moore on 30th November 2007

An example of a Flow Chart

Check sheet

Also known as Data Collection sheets and Tally charts

Like flow charts, check sheets are non-statistical and relatively simple. They are used to capture data in a manual, reliable, formalised way so that decisions can be made based on facts. As the data is collected, it becomes a graphical representation of itself. Areas for improvement can then be identified, either directly from the check sheet, or by feeding the data into one of the other seven basic tools.

Simply, a table is designed to capture the incidences of the variable(s) to be measured. Tick marks are then manually put in the relevant boxes. As the ticks build up, they give a graphical representation of the frequency of incidences. Below is a typical example.

An example of a Check Sheet

Summary

The seven basic tools of quality can be used singularly or in tandem to investigate a process and identify areas for improvement, although they do not all necessarily need to be used. If a process is simple enough – or the solution obvious enough – any one may be all that is needed for improvement. They provide a means for doing so based on facts, not just personal knowledge, which of course can be tainted or inaccurate. Ishikawa advocated teaching these seven basic tools to every member of a company as a means to making quality endemic throughout the organisation.

References

Ishikawa, Kaoru. Guide to Quality Control. Kraus International Publications, White Plains, New York, 1982.

Tague, Nancy R. The Quality Toolbox, Second Edition, ASQ Quality Press, 2004.