What are the Seven Tools of Quality (Q7)?
The Seven Tools of Quality(also known as Q7) are a collection of quality assurance methods that were first compiled by Ishikawa Kaoru around 1943. A series of quantitative methods and instruments for identifying problems and their possible solutions in areas such as production are used for continuous improvement. The majority of quality problems can be solved by using seven basic quantitative tools. These tools are known as the traditional “Seven Tools of Quality”:
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Test sheet or tally sheet
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Histogram
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Pareto diagram
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Ishikawa or fishbone diagram
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Correlation or scatter diagram
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(Quality) control chart
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Program flow chart or flow diagram
All in all, these tools are suitable for separating opinions from facts and then analyzing these facts. The Q7s, which are widely used, are used by quality departments in most organizations. There are a number of proposed and adopted extensions and improvements, such as the “Seven Management and Planning Tools”.
Further useful information