All of these tools gather data so that you have answers to various questions, with actual proof to back it up. With this in mind, here are some great basic Six Sigma tools everyone can use:

• Histogram: Depending on what data you are measuring, the types of histograms will vary. The basic function of a histogram is it allows you to see at a glance any variation in a process.

• Scatter Plot: Unlike the histogram, which uses more of a bar graph to show any type of variation in a process, a scatter plot is a graph of points that show the relationship between sets of data. This tool is useful in spotting what two variables seem to mesh and how they in fact affect the outcome of the process.

• Plato Chart: This chart is based on the 80-20 principle. Here are some examples: 80% of problems come from 20% of projects. Another example would be 80% of sales come from 20% of the clients. This is actually good news, because it lets us know that the issue at hand is actually caused by a small percentage and is fixable. The Plato chart would spotlight on the causes that have the greatest impact when fixed. This visual shows the biggest issues at a glance. Since the Plato chart pinpoints the problem, the desire for quicker  improvements is very present, so it could be deemed a tool of inspiration for the team.  

Interested in learning how these tools work? Register for one of our Lean Six Sigma training classes today! Visit 6sigma.com for more information. 

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Prevention is the key! Company culture is very important, if everyone is involved at every point in the process. Mistakes or defects in the final product can be avoided. So everyone is equally important, everyone is on the same page for the same goal, which is to get the best possible product at its highest quality out to the customer.

Important Tools in Total Quality Management (TQM)

Fishbone Diagram: This is a Cause and Effect diagram. It is a great way to visually see where the problem is originating, and will help to identity the root cause and sort them out into specific categories along with solutions.

Histogram: This tool merely lets you know the frequency that certain data is happening in a bar graph form. This works with the process that you are trying to improve. This is a great statistical tool.

Process Flow Charts: As you can see (no pun), visualizing is the trick when quality control is the goal. The process must flow effortlessly and the end result must have a high standard of quality. Defects are the enemy, so do not let them into your camp — be on the lookout. Process flow charts do exactly what it says — lets you visualize the entire process by looking at the chart. 

An easy way to start a flowchart would be by using post-it notes, and with your team walk through the entire process and at each step, stop and write down the activity, in the exact order that it is done. You can post them on a large board after you are finished and review. This will make the process come to life as you are reading them, and identify opportunities for improvements.

For more information on our Six Sigma training courses or services, please visit 6sigma.com. 

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The 7 quality tools include:

1. Stratification (Divide & Conquer): Here data is divided into smaller subcategories. These subcategories are divided into groups based on the information that they most cover, and the specific information given in these subgroups help solve an existing issue.
2. Histogram: These contain information on the frequency of specific occurrences that have to do with the issue needed to be resolved.
3. Check Sheet: An easy way to display both qualitative and quantitative data that is gathered for analysis; also called a tally sheet. This is great in understanding where in the progress that defect patterns happen.
4. Cause & Effect Chart (Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram): This diagram is extremely useful in problem solutions as well as identifying the root causes for an issue.
5. Pareto Chart (80-20 Principle): This chart is based on 20% of causes resulting in 80% of effects. The Pareto charts help us visualize through the chart that the majority of end results come from a minority of actions or causes for defects.
6. Scatter Diagram: This is a mathematical chart that correlates a set of two variables for specific data.
7. Control Chart (Shewhart Chart): This is a great tool for observing all pertinent processes over time. This tool makes it easy to see the variation and pinpoint its occurrence.

These quality control tools help in gathering important data that will make quality improvement based on facts and not on arbitrary guesses. Keep in mind that the Voice of Customer (VOC) is of utmost importance since fulfilling the customer’s requirements is the reason you are in business, and without your customers, you won’t have a business or company.

For more information on our Six Sigma training courses or services, please visit 6sigma.com.

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