What are the Seven Tools of Quality (Q7)?

The Seven Tools of Quality (also known as Q7) are a collection of quality assurance methods first compiled by Kaoru Ishikawa around 1943. To support continuous improvement, a series of quantitative methods and tools are used to identify problems and potential solutions in areas such as manufacturing. The majority of quality problems can be solved by using seven basic quantitative tools. These tools, known as the traditional “Seven Tools of Quality,” are:

• Test sheet or tally sheet

• Histogram

• Pareto diagram

• Ishikawa or fishbone diagram

• Correlation or scatter diagram

• (Quality) control chart

• 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”.

More useful information

Q7 – die 7 elementaren Qualitätswerkzeuge.

4 Maßnahmen zur Qualitätssicherung im Betrieb.

Related links:

Qualitätskontrolle