Can seven tools really solve ninety-five percent of quality problems in a factory?
Known as the seven basic quality tools, a collective of graphical and statistical tools, also called 7QC or 7QTs, can be used to analyze and solve work-related problems effectively and efficiently.
In the words of the infamous, Kaoru Ishikawa - the Japanese master credited with developing the Japanese quality circle movement and introducing our beloved fishbone diagram - as many as 95% of quality problems can be alleviated if management utilizes and bases their approach around the results and output from the following seven tools:
1/ Checksheets
A simple way of recording data, whether statistical or observational and most often seen as a table with cells to complete in the way of a tick list or scorecard.
2/ Fishbone diagram (cause and effect)
Essentially a brainstorming technique that shows the impact of one action on another.
3/ Histogram
The six sigma favorite bar chart demonstrates data over time periods which can aid forecasting and troubleshooting.
4/ Pareto chart
A visual representation and problem-solving technique that often shows an 80/20 result, i.e. that 80% of failures are caused by 20% of actions.
5/ Control chart
Tracking variations and abnormalities is a key part of any organization. This graph provides a powerful way to decipher running/ live data.
6/ Scatter diagram
A simple plotter or scatter diagram can be used to show the distance between two variables, typically numerical in value, and helps spot trends and variances.
7/ Stratification (flow chart)
Used to divide data into homogeneous groups -strata. This is an excellent way to see data when it comes from different sources such as suppliers, or even different shifts.
Although these seven basic quality tools were first proposed by Ishikawa many moons ago, they are still in play today and can still be used effectively in today’s modern manufacturing facilities.
Plastic injection molding company, Adis Tachov are indomitable in its quest for perfection throughout operations, and indeed, as much as the seven tools above may identify and remove 95% of potential issues, that’s not good enough for Adis. Their approach uses the combination of tools alongside unparalleled experience and a solid structure of training and ownership at each step of production. The result, on-time, and on-quality for every order.
