Six Sigma Forum Magazine vol. 5 issue 3 - May 2006
Abstract: Control charts can be effective for evaluating performance and improvement in a Six Sigma project, but managers should carefully evaluate available charts to ensure the chart selected provides the most useful information. Factors such as sample size, data characteristics, and whether the data is attribute or variable should be taken into account. Each type of chart has its benefits and disadvantages, depending on the situation. Select a chart that provides the most effective picture of the variation in the system's performance. Such understanding comes only after detailed study of the process using other quality tools, such as flowcharts and cause and effect analysis.
Keywords: Attribute data - Performance objectives - Process improvement - Process variability - Quality tools - Six Sigma - Variable data - Control charts
