What is problem solving and what tools do we use?
Problem solving is about getting to the root cause (root cause analysis) of a problem so that it never occurs again.
Flow Chart
Map sequence of steps and decisions into boxes and diamonds, with arrows showing the flow of the steps.
Make a process visible, find common ground in definitions.
Check Sheet
Easy and efficient process to collect data.
Accurate and easily collect raw data.
Run Chart
Display results of measure over time. A control chart is a run chart with upper and lower limits.
Shows performance in sequence of output over time.
Histogram
Summarise output into frequency distribution. A bell curve is a bar chart showing natural distribution.
Reveals centring, variation, distribution, capacity and tolerances
Pareto Chart
Sorts output measures by category adding % of the whole as a cumulative reference.
Prime tool for prioritising.
Fishbone Diagram
Displays issues stemming from broad categories to finer details.
Organises causes and effects.
Scatter Diagram
Displays relationships between two different types of output measure.
Proves or disproves correlation.
Would a kaizen glossary help you?