Seven Quality Tools for Process Improvements- 1) Flow Chart

Seven Quality Tools for Process Improvements

The basic seven quality tools for process improvement were propagated by Kaoru Ishikawa. The basic seven tools made statistical analysis less complicated. Good visual aids have made statistical and quality control more comprehensible. These seven quality tools are:

1.        Flow Charts
2.        Cause and Effect Diagrams
3.        Check Sheet
4.        Histogram
5.         Pareto Charts
6.         Scatter Plot
7.         Control Charts

We will focus on the Flow charts here:

Flow Chart

A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm, workflow or process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows. This diagrammatic representation illustrates a solution model to a given problem. Flowcharts are used in analyzing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various fields.

There are various types of flow charts. Here are just a few of the more commonly used ones.

• Swimlane flowcharts
• Data flow diagrams
• Influence diagrams
• Workflow diagrams
• Process flow diagrams

The example given is of a process flow diagram.

Flow Charts are used for:

• Planning a new project
• Represents an algorithm or process
• Illustrates a solution to a given problem
• Represented process operations
• Used in analyzing
• Used in designing
• Used in documenting
• Used in managing a process
• Used in program in various fields

Advantages Of Using Flowcharts:

• Communication: Flowcharts are better way of communicating the logic of a system to all concerned or involved.
• Effective analysis: With the help of flowchart, problem can be analysed in more effective way therefore reducing cost and wastage of time.
• Proper documentation: Program flowcharts serve as a good program documentation, which is needed for various purposes, making things more efficient.
• Efficient Coding: The flowcharts act as a guide or blueprint during the systems analysis and program development phase.
• Proper Debugging: The flowchart helps in debugging process.
• Efficient Program Maintenance: The maintenance of operating program becomes easy with the help of flowchart. It helps the programmer to put efforts more efficiently on that part

Please connect with the author of the article at jhasumit@gmail.com for any help on process reengineering and operational excellence.