Histograms Archives - 6sigma https://6sigma.com/tag/histograms/ Six Sigma Certification and Training Fri, 28 Feb 2025 13:18:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://6sigma.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-favicon-blue-68x68.png Histograms Archives - 6sigma https://6sigma.com/tag/histograms/ 32 32 The Best Quality Tools to Use in 2023 https://6sigma.com/best-quality-tools-in-2023/ Tue, 09 May 2023 14:21:00 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=100358 In today’s competitive market, it is essential for businesses to deliver high-quality products and services. Achieving this requires a systematic approach to quality management, which involves the use of quality tools. Quality tools include techniques, methods, and approaches to improve the quality of their products, processes, and services. These tools allow businesses to identify issues, […]

The post The Best Quality Tools to Use in 2023 appeared first on 6sigma.

]]> best quality tools

In today’s competitive market, it is essential for businesses to deliver high-quality products and services. Achieving this requires a systematic approach to quality management, which involves the use of quality tools. Quality tools include techniques, methods, and approaches to improve the quality of their products, processes, and services. These tools allow businesses to identify issues, analyze data, and implement solutions to enhance quality and efficiency.

This article will explore some of the best quality tools that businesses can use to optimize their quality management processes. It will cover what quality tools are, their specific benefits, and how to use them effectively. From statistical process control to Pareto charts, control charts, and histograms, a range of quality tools will be discussed that businesses can leverage to improve their processes and deliver high-quality products and services.

What are Quality Tools?

Quality tools help businesses improve their quality management processes and increase customer satisfaction. These tools can help reduce waste, optimize efficiency, and standardize processes. Standardization is particularly important in industries such as manufacturing, where even small variations in processes can affect product quality.

Quality tools include statistical process control, Pareto charts, control charts, histograms, and more. These are essential for any business serious about delivering high-quality products or services. 

The Best Quality Tools You Should Use

There are several quality tools available for businesses to use. 

  • Statistical Process Control: One of the most commonly used is Statistical Process Control (SPC), which monitors processes and identifies variations in data. Businesses can use this to identify issues and implement solutions to optimize their processes. Variations in a process could result in defects, wasted resources, or other issues. By tracking these variations and identifying the root cause of the problem, businesses can implement corrective actions and optimize their processes for improved performance.
  • Pareto Chart: A Pareto chart, another quality tool, visually represents the most significant issues that affect quality for a business and helps businesses prioritize their efforts in addressing them. The tool is named after Vilfredo Pareto who was an Italian economist, and is based on the concept that 80% of the issues affecting quality and efficiency are often caused by 20% of the problems.
  • Histogram: A histogram is a graphical format that represents frequency distribution of data. It can help businesses identify patterns and valuable trends in data, making it useful for identifying quality issues. Businesses can start using a histogram by collecting data on their processes and analyzing it using statistical software. They can then use the histogram to visualize the data and identify any patterns, trends, or variations that may be affecting quality.
  • Control Chart: These monitor processes over time and ensure that they remain within the expected range. Central to the chart are the upper and lower limits to monitor processes when they go out of control. To start using a control chart, a business first needs to gather data on their process over a period of time. They can then plot this data on a control chart, which allows them to visualize the data and identify any patterns or trends. 

Improving Quality and Driving Business Success with the Right Quality Tools: A Final Word

Quality tools are essential for businesses in all fields, as they enable them to improve quality, optimize their processes, and deliver high-quality products and services to their customers. With quality tools, businesses can monitor their performance, identify potential issues, and take corrective action before they become major problems. 

The post The Best Quality Tools to Use in 2023 appeared first on 6sigma.

]]> How to Use the Histogram as a Quality Improvement Tool https://6sigma.com/25354-2/ https://6sigma.com/25354-2/#respond Tue, 20 Mar 2018 14:00:20 +0000 https://opexlearning.com/resources/?p=25354

The histogram is a popular tool with many applications, and it’s commonly seen in various environments. It’s not directly related to lean or Six Sigma, although it’s quite frequently used in those areas too, and understanding the implications of its proper use is one of […]

The post How to Use the Histogram as a Quality Improvement Tool appeared first on 6sigma.

]]>

The histogram is a popular tool with many applications, and it’s commonly seen in various environments. It’s not directly related to lean or Six Sigma, although it’s quite frequently used in those areas too, and understanding the implications of its proper use is one of the best things you could do as a leader to improve the performance of your company.

Quality improvement is something that can specifically benefit from the use of histograms if you’re clever about it, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to put them to proper use in this area. You just have to understand the implications of the histogram as a tool, what kinds of problems it’s supposed to address, and on the other side, the types of problems where using it is not the most appropriate solution.

Benefits of the Histogram for Quality Improvement

There are several ways the histogram can prove useful to you when seeking quality improvement in your organization, whether it’s on a smaller scale or on a larger one. First, they can help you visualize data in a comprehensible manner that can communicate complex ideas across the board. This will ensure that everyone in the organization will understand the implications of certain actions, not just higher-ranking individuals with a lot of experience in data analysis.

That’s why histograms are so commonly used in corporate presentations and other similar contexts, and there’s a good reason to adopt them yourself if you still haven’t.

A histogram can also show you how well data is centered around a certain pivot point, and in cases where this is important for your operations, it can reveal a lot about the way you should be running the company. Sometimes data symmetry will not be that important to your business, but in other cases it will be the main point you’re trying to tackle.

Combining Histograms with Other Analysis Tools

Another great benefit of histograms for quality improvement is that they can be easily combined with other tools for data analysis, revealing some interesting points that would normally slip by undetected. The simplicity of the histogram makes it great for applying it in new environments, and it’s often not that hard to combine the data you get from certain sources with the representation mode of a histogram, allowing you to generate an even more interesting overview of certain types of data.

A good histogram can also reveal a lot about some types of data that are normally difficult to visualize using other methods, but you need to make sure that you’re not overusing it, especially when it comes to presenting multiple data points simultaneously. This is a common problem with using histograms, and extending them too much in a certain direction can often prove problematic in the long run.

Customizing Histograms for Your Own Specific Needs

Last but definitely not least, a histogram can help improve the quality of your operations a lot through its flexibility alone. A great aspect of histograms is that they can easily be adapted to various purposes and applications, and you don’t necessarily have to stick with one common mode of use if you see other ways a histogram can benefit your analysis.

Talk to different people within the organization and get their input on your current use of histograms, and you might get some surprising insights here and there. Just remember that you should consider all opinions equally here, as someone at a lower level of the organization might see things differently than someone ranked more highly, and in some cases certain pieces of information might be missing for those below.

The post How to Use the Histogram as a Quality Improvement Tool appeared first on 6sigma.

]]> https://6sigma.com/25354-2/feed/ 0 Six Sigma Information That Bears Repeating https://6sigma.com/six-sigma-information-bears-repeating/ https://6sigma.com/six-sigma-information-bears-repeating/#respond Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:54:29 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21915 “Repetition makes reputation and reputation makes customers.” These words were spoken by Florence Nightingale Graham, who founded the cosmetic empire Elizabeth Arden, Inc., So in honor of International Women’s Day this month, we are taking her advice and repeating great Six Sigma information, specifically several quality tools often used in the discipline.

The post Six Sigma Information That Bears Repeating appeared first on 6sigma.

]]> “Repetition makes reputation and reputation makes customers.” These words were spoken by Florence Nightingale Graham, who founded the cosmetic empire Elizabeth Arden, Inc., So in honor of International Women’s Day this month, we are taking her advice and repeating great Six Sigma information, specifically several quality tools often used in the discipline.

Pareto Analysis: This is a technique that helps determine which tasks make the most overall impact. This uses the Pareto Principal, which is also known as the 80/20 rule. It  translates to 20% of the work done generates 80% of the benefit of doing the entire process or job.

Broken down:

  • 20% of your products or services account for 80% of customer complaints
  • 20% of possible causes account for 80% of delays in the schedule
  • 80% of your profits come from 20% of your product or services
  • 80% of your company’s revenue is produced by 20% of your sales staff

Pareto Chart: This is a vertical bar chart that helps you automatically see by the descending order of the height of the bar and how to prioritize the problem. This can help in analyzing issues and identifying root causes.

Flowcharts: These are great and can be used in process mapping. Flow charts give a visual of work processes. Anyone can quickly see how and if there are duplicate efforts being done or what part of the process doesn’t offer value to the end product.

Check Sheets: These are used to collect data and keep an organized list of data.

Histograms: These are to quickly find variation in an existing process. The spikes in the histograms would show the variation. To create a histogram you need to:

  • Collect the data having to do with the issue
  • Prioritize the data
  • Assign categories
  • Create a bar chart
  • Fill in counts and categories

Cause and Effect Diagrams: Also known as the fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram, these are used when a company team is involved in problem solving.  Brainstorming is a big component used for filling in the possible causes and effects. The cause and effect diagrams can be used in the service, manufacturing, or process steps, and any category that you need to visually see what would otherwise be a concept or verbal acknowledgement of a problem.

Learn more about these tools through one of our Six Sigma training classes! For more information on our Six Sigma training courses or services, visit 6sigma.com.

The post Six Sigma Information That Bears Repeating appeared first on 6sigma.

]]> https://6sigma.com/six-sigma-information-bears-repeating/feed/ 0 Glossary of Six Sigma Terms: Letters G – I https://6sigma.com/21000-2/ https://6sigma.com/21000-2/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2017 22:39:36 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=21000 G

  • Gage R&R.

    When conducting the Measurement stage of DMAIC, Six Sigma Belts often use Gage R&R to evaluate their measurement systems’ accuracy. The R&R stands for repeatability and reproducibility, and the technique focuses on determining if you will receive multiple similar results from your measurement systems. Gage R&R comes out of […]

    The post Glossary of Six Sigma Terms: Letters G – I appeared first on 6sigma.

    ]]> G

    • Gage R&R.

      When conducting the Measurement stage of DMAIC, Six Sigma Belts often use Gage R&R to evaluate their measurement systems’ accuracy. The R&R stands for repeatability and reproducibility, and the technique focuses on determining if you will receive multiple similar results from your measurement systems. Gage R&R comes out of the belief that you should categorize total measurement systems error in two different ways, repeatability and reproducibility. When using Gage R&R, you measure error with the following standard deviation, depending on your data. You can represent your data in a hierarchical diagram, like a family tree. The first box should contain your observed total for variation. The diagram should continue downward, part variation on one side and measurement system variation on the other. The latter should then split off toward repeatability and reproducibility.

     

    • Gantt Chart.

      The Gantt chart is a type of chart used to display a breakdown of the tasks. You should list each task according to your priorities over time. Which tasks do you need to complete first? Number the first column for each task you are required to complete. The next should be labeled Activity and split into rows. Split he next section into columns for each month, week, or day, depending on your timeframe. Represent the length of time it takes (or should take) to complete a task using a horizontal color-coded line. You can use Gantt charts in process improvement projects and other team-based projects to organize and assign tasks. Project leaders, Black Belts, typically draw up Gantt charts for the rest of the team. Although even team members with others working under them, like Green Belts, may be required to make a Gantt chart.

     

    • Gap Analysis.

      You will often have to analyze data in Six Sigma work, such as the gap between current performance and potential performance. This is where Gap Analysis should is useful. It is a strategic approach to can help you develop a plan to close the gaps between your two thresholds. Gap Analysis is also effective for other uses, such as analyzing product and market share. For Six Sigma practitioners, Gap Analysis is most often used to analyze the gap between current product performance and customer requirements.

     

    H

    • Hill Climbing.

      Black Belts and Green Belts use hill climbing in Experimental Design. Hill climbing helps determine the process settings that give you the maximum and minimum responses. Despite the name, hill climbing isn’t as strenuous as it sounds. You begin by carrying out an initial experiment. If it does not deliver either the maximum or minimum responses, then you find the path of steepest ascent and descent. Once you have this data compiled, you can then carry out another test at an interval point along your process path, continuing until it starts to ascend or descend. Then, an additional experiment around the highest point on the path will tell you if this is the maximum or minimum response. If you still haven’t found the path of steepest ascent by this point, all you have to do is continue until you do. It can take time, but hill climbing is very effective. Provided your curvature is not significant, then the experiments you conduct can be first order designs with center points. When your curvature becomes significant near the optimum, however, then you should change to response surface designs.

     

    • Histograms. 

      Histograms are a type of data tool in Six Sigma. Any Six Sigma practitioner may use a histogram when analyzing data values. This may include Black Belts, Green Belts, or Yellow Belts. Histograms work in process improvement projects or team-based activities. Histograms are graphical displays of your distribution of values for specific data sets. A histogram looks like a common bar chart, with an X and a Y axis, and bars of varying lengths representing your data. Each axis should be labeled appropriately, for instance, processing time and how many claims you have received.

     

    • Hypothesis Testing.

      You can divide hypothesis testing into two complementary claims. If your test was to determine whether a process mean equals zero or not, you could describe them as follows.  H0 (the mean equals zero – the null hypothesis) and H1 (the mean equals something other than zero – the alternate hypothesis). When testing to determine the probability of events occurring, hypothesis testing can be of great use to Six Sigma practitioners. When conducting intermediate to high-responsibility process improvement work, Green Belts or Black Belts will usually be most likely to use hypothesis testing. It is highly effective as it allows you to determine the likelihood of observed results, but only when the first claim, H0 is true. You should refer to your probability as the p-value. The smaller the p-value, the less feasible your null hypothesis.

     

    I

    • Interest-Based Bargaining.

      Interest-based bargaining will likely to come into play for team-based process improvement. IBB is a style of negotiation that focuses on finding a utilitarian solution. One that will serve the needs and interests of all the parties involved. In other words, a mutually beneficial negotiation, or win-win situation. Black Belt Six Sigma practitioners are usually required to negotiate with company champions, management, etc. As such, they are most likely to use interest-based There are five key characteristics to IBB, which are as follows:

     

    • You should avoid bargaining over positions.
    • Ensure the two negotiators are separated from the problem.
    • You should focus on the interests, rather than the positions involved.
    • Part of your negotiation should involve finding opportunities for mutual benefit.
    • You should use objective criteria when selecting an appropriate resolution to the problem.

     

    • Interrelationship Diagram.

      Interrelationship Diagrams are a type of affinity diagram. You can use them for team-based process improvement work. Anyone can make one, from Black Belts to Yellow Belts, though group leaders will usually take the reins. To use an interrelationship diagram, you first need to gather your ideas together.  Then group them in a circular pattern on a whiteboard or flip chart. Then, draw arrows from each circle to other related ones, to show the relationships between each idea. Think about cause and effect, how each idea influences other ideas and is influenced by them. The arrows that lead to and away from each idea should be counted and tabulated. The highest number of away arrows from particular ideas represent your most important drivers. If you have a large number of arrows heading towards a particular idea, this suggests critical outcomes to take note of, as well as potential measures of success.

     

     

     

     

    The post Glossary of Six Sigma Terms: Letters G – I appeared first on 6sigma.

    ]]>     https://6sigma.com/21000-2/feed/ 0