Quality Tools

Cause and Effect Diagram (Fishbone, Ishikawa Chart/Diagram)

Categorizes causes of quality issues into related and logical categories or groups. The cause and effect diagram shows the flow and relationship between causes of quality problems and the effects of those causes on the quality.

Control Charts

Charts used for tracking and monitoring process performances. Control Charts help quality experts visually identify process issues and measure quality performances.

Scatter Diagram

Facilitates users to visually identify relationships between two variables. Each axes represents one variable. It is very easy to develop the diagram and use it for analysis. 

Histogram

Graph used for representing frequency distribution. It shows how often data occur in each of the assigned categories. Categories are assigned by the user depending on the purpose of the analysis. Based on the data and information requirement categories might be changed and adjusted by the user.

Pareto

Graph similar to Histogram. It ranks categories based on frequency distribution and shows the cumulative percentage for each category. Pareto analysis looks for the most important issues based on the 80:20 rule.

Check Sheet

Form developed for gathering and analyzing data. Check Sheets are developed based on the purpose of the analysis and the data required.

Survey

Developing survey questionnaire and gathering data from the target audience. Generally used for gathering data from customers, employees, and suppliers on their opinion, perception, and behavior about issues of interest such as product quality and customer satisfaction.

Affinity Diagram

Diagram for organizing similar issues/activities into related and logical categories. Affinity diagram shows the groups of ideas and their relationship and interdependence. Generally this diagram is a result of brainstorming session.

Gantt Chart

Generally used for project management. It shows the project steps/tasks/activities, their order of implementation, timing, and helps users identify critical stages for successful project management.

PDCA

PDCA is a general methodology or framework for continuous problem solving process: Plan, Do, Check, Act. It is used in quality management as a foundation of the overall quality management approach in the organization.