Quality Management Tools

Quality Management Tools are essential components of Total Quality Management (TQM). They are used to analyze and improve the organization's processes, products, and services. The tools are divided into two categories: Seven Old (Statistical) Tools and Seven New Management Tools.

The Seven Old Statistical Tools are:

1. Check Sheet: A simple document that is used for collecting data in real-time and at the location where the data is generated.
2. Histogram: A graphical representation of the distribution of a dataset.
3. Pareto Chart: A type of chart that contains both bars and a line graph, where individual values are represented in descending order by bars, and the cumulative total is represented by the line.
4. Cause-and-Effect Diagram (Fishbone Diagram): A visual tool used to systematically track down the causes of a problem.
5. Scatter Diagram: A graphical representation that shows the relationship between two variables.
6. Control Chart: A graph used to study how a process changes over time.
7. Stratification: A technique used in combination with other data analysis tools when data from a variety of sources or categories have been lumped together.

The Seven New Management Tools are:

1. Affinity Diagram: A tool used to organize data into groups based on their natural relationships.
2. Interrelationship Digraph: A tool that provides a process for collecting, sorting, and analyzing data to make complex decisions and to anticipate the outcomes.
3. Tree Diagram: A tool used to break down broad categories into finer levels of detail.
4. Prioritization Matrix: A tool used to prioritize items and describe them in terms of weighted criteria.
5. Matrix Diagram: A tool used to identify the strength of relationships between factors, causes, and objectives.
6. Process Decision Program Chart (PDPC): A tool used to identify the sequence of tasks from initiation to completion.
7. Activity Network Diagram: A tool used to depict project activities and their interrelationships.

Benchmarking is the process of comparing one's business processes and performance metrics to industry bests or best practices from other companies. The steps involved in benchmarking process are: Identify what to benchmark, Identify benchmarking partners, Collect data and analyze, Set goals and develop action plans, Implement and monitor improvements.

POKA YOKE is a Japanese term that means mistake-proofing. It is any mechanism in a lean manufacturing process that helps an equipment operator avoid mistakes. The three types of POKA YOKE devices are: Warning devices, Control devices, Shutdown devices.

Quality Management Tools have several advantages such as improved decision-making, enhanced problem-solving, increased efficiency and productivity. However, they also have some disadvantages like time-consuming implementation, initial investment required, resistance to change.

Summary

Quality Management Tools are crucial for Total Quality Management. They include the Seven Old (Statistical) Tools and the Seven New Management Tools. Each tool serves a specific purpose in improving the organization's processes, products, and services. Benchmarking and POKA YOKE are also important tools in quality management. While these tools offer numerous benefits, they also have some drawbacks.

Analogy

Quality Management Tools can be compared to a doctor's medical instruments. Just as a doctor uses different instruments for different purposes to diagnose and treat a patient, Quality Management Tools are used for different purposes to analyze and improve an organization's processes, products, and services.