Some books describe a graph instead of a flow chart as one of seven tools. You can then analyze business processes one by one and identify areas for improvement. They map these events to illustrate a complex process for finding common ground between events. The 7 basic quality tools are, essentially, graphic techniques that are used to identify 26% of solution problems related to the quality of the product or process.
Comparing current data with historical control limits allows conclusions to be drawn as to whether process variation is consistent (under control) or unpredictable (out of control, affected by special causes of variation). Flowcharts can be used in any field to break down complex processes in an easy to understand way. The histogram represents the frequency distribution of the data in a clear and concise way between the different groups in a sample, allowing you to quickly and easily identify areas for improvement in your processes. Planning the current process can help you more effectively determine what activities are completed, when and who performs them, how processes flow from one department or task to another, and what steps can be eliminated to streamline the process.
By comparing historical data with data collected from your current process, you can determine if your current process is controlled or affected by specific variations. They are frequently implemented in conjunction with today's most commonly used process improvement methodologies, including several phases of Six Sigma, TQM, continuous improvement processes and Lean management. Flowcharts are most commonly used to document organizational structures and process flows, making them ideal for identifying obstacles and unnecessary steps within a process or system. The ability to identify and resolve quality-related issues quickly and efficiently is essential for anyone working in quality control or process improvement.
The purpose of the Pareto chart is to highlight the relative importance of a variety of parameters, allowing you to identify and focus your efforts on the factors that have the greatest impact on a specific part of a process or system. These graphs make it possible to identify the stability and predictability of the process and identify common causes of variation. A check sheet collects data in the form of checkmarks or counts that indicate how many times a given value has occurred, allowing you to quickly focus on defects or errors in the process or product, defect patterns, and even the causes of specific defects. However, this quality improvement tool can help quality control professionals determine if a process is stable and predictable or not, making it easier for them to identify factors that may cause variations or defects.
Using a control chart can save your organization time and money by predicting process performance, especially in terms of what your customer or organization expects from the final product. With simple configuration and easy-to-read graphics, the verification sheets make it easy to record preliminary frequency distribution data when measuring processes.
