Quality Tools and Techniques
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Quality Assurance course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Quality Tools and Techniques #
Quality Tools and Techniques
Quality tools and techniques refer to a set of methodologies, frameworks, and in… #
These tools help identify, analyze, and solve quality-related issues to enhance overall performance and customer satisfaction.
7 QC Tools #
7 QC Tools
The 7 QC tools, also known as the seven basic tools of quality, are a set of fun… #
These tools include:
1. Check Sheet #
A simple tool used to collect and organize data for analysis.
2. Control Chart #
A graphical tool to monitor process variations over time.
3. Histogram #
A visual representation of data distribution.
4. Pareto Chart #
A bar chart that displays the most significant factors affecting a problem.
5. Scatter Diagram #
A graph that shows the relationship between two variables.
6. Cause #
and-Effect Diagram (Ishikawa or Fishbone Diagram): A tool to identify and analyze the root causes of a problem.
7. Flowchart #
A diagram that represents the steps in a process.
5S #
5S
5S is a workplace organization method that stands for Sort, Set in Order, Shine,… #
It aims to create a clean, organized, and efficient work environment by eliminating waste, improving safety, and enhancing productivity.
8D Problem Solving #
8D Problem Solving
The 8D problem #
solving process is a systematic approach to identify, correct, and prevent recurring problems. The eight disciplines include:
1 #
Establish the team
2 #
Describe the problem
3 #
Develop interim containment actions
4 #
Identify root causes
5 #
Choose and verify permanent corrective actions
6 #
Implement and validate corrective actions
7 #
Prevent recurrence
8 #
Congratulate the team
APQP #
APQP
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a framework used in the automotive i… #
It involves defining customer requirements, identifying potential risks, and creating a plan to meet quality standards.
Benchmarking #
Benchmarking
Benchmarking is a process of comparing an organization's practices, processes, o… #
Benchmarking is a process of comparing an organization's practices, processes, or performance metrics with those of industry leaders or competitors to identify best practices and opportunities for improvement.
Brainstorming #
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a creative technique used to generate ideas, solutions, or alte… #
It encourages open communication and collaboration to explore different perspectives and possibilities.
Cause #
and-Effect Diagram
A Cause #
and-Effect Diagram, also known as an Ishikawa or Fishbone Diagram, is a visual tool used to identify and analyze the root causes of a problem. It categorizes potential causes into major categories to facilitate problem-solving.
Control Chart #
Control Chart
A Control Chart is a graphical tool used to monitor process variations over time #
It helps identify trends, patterns, and out-of-control conditions in a process to ensure consistency and predictability.
Corrective Action #
Corrective Action
Corrective Action is a systematic process to address and eliminate the root caus… #
It aims to prevent recurrence and improve overall performance.
Cost of Quality (COQ) #
Cost of Quality (COQ)
Cost of Quality (COQ) is a concept that considers the total cost incurred to ach… #
It includes the costs of prevention, appraisal, internal failures, and external failures.
Critical to Quality (CTQ) #
Critical to Quality (CTQ)
Critical to Quality (CTQ) refers to the key characteristics or requirements that… #
Identifying and meeting CTQs are essential for delivering high-quality products or services.
Design of Experiments (DOE) #
Design of Experiments (DOE)
Design of Experiments (DOE) is a statistical method used to plan, conduct, and a… #
It helps identify critical factors and their interactions to improve quality.
Fishbone Diagram #
Fishbone Diagram
A Fishbone Diagram, also known as an Ishikawa or Cause #
and-Effect Diagram, is a visual tool used to identify and analyze the root causes of a problem. It helps categorize potential causes into major categories for effective problem-solving.
FMEA #
FMEA
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic technique used to ident… #
It helps prioritize risks and develop preventive measures.
Flowchart #
Flowchart
A Flowchart is a diagram that represents the steps in a process through symbols… #
It visually illustrates the sequence of activities, decisions, and information flow to improve understanding and communication.
Gage R&R #
Gage R&R
Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gage R&R) is a measurement system analys… #
It ensures reliable and consistent measurement results.
Histogram #
Histogram
A Histogram is a graphical representation of data distribution using bars to sho… #
It helps visualize patterns, trends, and variations in data for analysis and decision-making.
Ishikawa Diagram #
Ishikawa Diagram
An Ishikawa Diagram, also known as a Cause #
and-Effect or Fishbone Diagram, is a visual tool used to identify and analyze the root causes of a problem. It categorizes potential causes into major categories for effective problem-solving.
Just #
In-Time (JIT)
Just #
In-Time (JIT) is a production strategy that aims to minimize inventory levels and waste by delivering products or services exactly when needed. It focuses on efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.
Kaizen #
Kaizen
Kaizen is a Japanese term that means continuous improvement #
It refers to a philosophy or approach that encourages small, incremental changes to processes, products, or systems to achieve ongoing improvements in quality and efficiency.
Kanban #
Kanban
Kanban is a visual management tool used to control and optimize workflow in a pr… #
It uses cards or signals to signal the need for production or replenishment, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Lean Manufacturing #
Lean Manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing is a production philosophy that focuses on minimizing waste,… #
It aims to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance quality through continuous improvement.
Pareto Analysis #
Pareto Analysis
Pareto Analysis is a technique used to prioritize problems or issues based on th… #
It helps identify and address the most significant issues for improvement.
Pareto Chart #
Pareto Chart
A Pareto Chart is a bar chart that displays the most significant factors affecti… #
It helps visualize the 80/20 rule and prioritize actions to address the vital few over the trivial many.
PDCA Cycle #
PDCA Cycle
The PDCA Cycle, also known as the Deming Cycle or Plan #
Do-Check-Act Cycle, is a continuous improvement model used to solve problems, implement changes, and drive quality improvement. It involves:
- Plan: Identify the problem and plan a solution #
- Plan: Identify the problem and plan a solution.
- Do: Implement the plan on a small scale #
- Do: Implement the plan on a small scale.
- Check: Evaluate the results and compare them to the goals #
- Check: Evaluate the results and compare them to the goals.
- Act: Standardize successful processes and continue improvement #
- Act: Standardize successful processes and continue improvement.
Process Capability #
Process Capability
Process Capability is a measure of a process's ability to produce output within… #
It assesses the process's performance, variability, and capability to meet customer requirements consistently.
Quality Function Deployment (QFD) #
Quality Function Deployment (QFD)
Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a method used to translate customer needs a… #
It helps prioritize features, align design decisions, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Root Cause Analysis #
Root Cause Analysis
Root Cause Analysis is a systematic process used to identify the underlying caus… #
It aims to address root causes rather than symptoms to prevent recurrence and improve quality.
Scatter Diagram #
Scatter Diagram
A Scatter Diagram is a graphical tool used to show the relationship between two… #
It helps identify patterns, correlations, or trends in data to make informed decisions and improve processes.
Six Sigma #
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a data #
driven methodology used to improve processes, reduce defects, and enhance customer satisfaction. It aims to achieve near-perfect quality by minimizing variation and meeting customer requirements consistently.
Statistical Process Control (SPC) #
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a method used to monitor and control proces… #
It helps identify variations, trends, or out-of-control conditions to maintain process stability and improve quality.
Total Quality Management (TQM) #
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach that focuses on continuo… #
It aims to integrate quality principles into all aspects of an organization to achieve excellence.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) #
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a visual tool used to analyze, improve, and optimi… #
It helps identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement to enhance efficiency and quality.
Visual Management #
Visual Management
Visual Management is a technique that uses visual cues, signals, or displays to… #
It enhances communication, understanding, and decision-making for quality improvement.
Zero Defects #
Zero Defects
Zero Defects is a quality philosophy that aims to eliminate defects, errors, or… #
It emphasizes prevention, continuous improvement, and a mindset of doing things right the first time.