Six Sigma: Entering the Dojo

Check Sheets and Flowcharts In Six Sigma, tools help you collect and interpret data so you can make sound decisions. In this lesson, you'll explore two of the seven basic quality tools: **check sheets** and **flowcharts**. Check Sheets A check sheet is a simple yet powerful tool for identifying problems. Its format is easy to understand, and it's quick to fill out—an important feature when your primary job is producing a product or delivering a service, not filling out forms. Whether you're tracking rejected parts in a manufacturing facility or incorrect sales agreements in a real estate office, mistake identification is hugely important. A check sheet lets you record and categorize defects or errors as they occur, giving you a clear picture of where problems are happening most frequently. Flowcharts A flowchart visually represents a process step by step. It can also help you identify **critical control points**—places in a process where mistakes, bottlenecks, or other problems are likely to occur. The basic shapes used in flowcharts are: **Diamond** – A decision point in the process. **Rectangle** – A procedure or action step. **Lines and arrows** – The flow and direction of steps. To create a simple flowchart, follow these steps: 1. List all the steps in your process. 2. Determine whether each step is a procedure or a decision