The Basic Seven Tools of Quality
Fishbone Diagrams Histograms Pareto Diagram Flowcharts Scatter Plots Check Sheet Control Charts
Fishbone Diagrams
No statistics involved Maps out a process/problem Makes improvement easier Looks like a Fish Skeleton
Constructing a Fishbone Diagram
Step 1 - Identify the Problem
Example: High Inventory Shrinkage at local Drug Store
Step 2 - Draw spine and bones
Shrinkage
Step 3 - Identify different areas where problems may arise from employees
Shrinkage
shoplifters
Step 4 - Identify what these specific causes could be employees
attitude training new trainee benefits
practices
Shrinkage
Expensive merchandise out in the open
No security/ surveillance Anti-theft tags poorly designed
shoplifters
Step 5 Use the finished diagram to brainstorm solutions to the main problems.
It does not tells about the intensity of any cause it tells only about the cause which effect. In this we need why, brainstorming technique then by using affinity diagram we can draw the ishikawa diagram.
Histograms
Bar chart Used to graphically represent groups of data
Constructing a Histogram
Collect data and sort it into categories.
Then label the data as the independent set or the dependent set.
From a set of data compute sum mean (x) Max Min Range (max-min) Use range to estimate beginning and end Calculate the width of each column by dividing the range by the number of columns
Range
# of Columns
= Width
Examples of How Histograms Can Be Used
Histograms can be used to determine distribution of sales.
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 33
65
12 0 0 6 1 7
Slices of Pizza
Pareto Diagram
Pareto charts are used to identify and prioritize problems to be solved.
They are actually histograms aided by the 80/20 rule adapted by Joseph Juran.
Remember the 80/20 rule states that approximately 80% of the problems are created by approximately 20% of the causes. The Pareto diagram is a powerful quality improvement tool. It is applicable to problem identification & measurement of progress.
Diagram
Frequency: no. of times machine stop working. If a machine stop working how much money company spend is called money association. In graph first two machines are responsible for 75% contribution in problem. And if we change frequency with money in graph then some change will be there in the chart. A project team will be assigned and have to investigate for the necessary corrections in the improvement program.
Flowcharts
A graphical picture of a PROCESS
Process
Decision The process flow
Define symbols before beginning Stay consistent Check that process is accurate Analyze the flow chart. Determine which steps add value and which dont in the process of simplifying the work
Flow chart deals with different activities being carried. Activities are arranged in a particular order, according to which these are being carried out. But flow does not tell anything about time taken by the activity as like activity diagram. It only tells about the activities taking place in a systematic manner.
Scatter Plots
2 Dimensional X/Y plots Used to show relationship between independent(x) and dependent(y) variables
Easier to see direct relationship
Time Cooking (minutes)
Degree of relationship between two variables helps us to know our capability (process capability). If any feature does not affect the performance of other then both are not related to each other. Eg: speed & fuel consumption in a car. Three relationships occur in scattered diagram: No relationship Positive relationship Negative relationship It is a pictorial diagram showing relationship between different variables. Matrix diagram gives relation at particular time but in this we get relation at different time.
Check sheet
The main purpose of check sheet is to ensure that data is collected carefully & accurately. Data should be collected in such a manner that it can be easily used & analyzed. The check sheet can be made for each individual situation. And is designed by project team. It should be user friendly. Includes information on time & location basis.
Control Charts
Control charts are a means of regulating a process
Upper Limit
Lower Limit
Unacceptable deviation
X= mean
Ishikawas seven basic tools of quality. tools are rather simple and effective. Useful for finding direct or indirect relationships which can then be used to analyze/improve quality.
