Musings 'n scribblings of a philanthrope ..

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

15 TQM tools ..

15 commonly used tools in Total Quality Management (TQM), compiled from widely recognized quality management practices. The first seven are the classic "Seven Basic Quality Tools" (also known as 7 QC Tools), developed by Kaoru Ishikawa and foundational to TQM for problem-solving and process improvement.

The remaining are additional key tools frequently cited in TQM implementations for advanced analysis, planning, and continuous improvement.

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1. Cause-and-Effect Diagram (Fishbone Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram) — Identifies potential root causes of a problem by categorizing them (e.g., people, processes, materials).

2. Check Sheet (Tally Sheet) — A simple data collection tool to record and count occurrences of events or defects systematically.

3. Control Chart — Monitors process stability over time by plotting data points against control limits to detect variations.

4. Histogram — Displays the frequency distribution of data to show patterns and variations in processes.

5. Pareto Chart — A bar chart that prioritizes issues based on the 80/20 rule (80% of problems from 20% of causes).

6. Scatter Diagram — Plots two variables to identify relationships or correlations between them.

7. Flowchart (Process Map) — Visualizes the steps in a process to identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks.

8. Run Chart — A time-series plot to track trends and shifts in data over time (often considered an extension of basic tools).

9. Statistical Process Control (SPC) — Uses statistical methods to monitor, control, and improve process performance.

10. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) — Systematic methods (e.g., 5 Whys) to dig into the underlying reasons for defects.

11. 5 Whys — A questioning technique to drill down to the root cause by asking "why" repeatedly.

12. Benchmarking — Compares processes or performance against industry best practices.

13. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) — Translates customer needs into technical requirements (often using House of Quality).

14. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) — Identifies potential failures in a process or product and their impacts.

15. Six Sigma Methodology — A data-driven approach (integrated into TQM) to reduce defects and variability using DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control).