Checklist

Check Sheets “record data on a form that readily allows interpretation of results from the form itself” (Hodgetts 89). As one of Ishikawa’s basic quality tools, Check Sheets are an effective means of gathering data in a helpful, meaningful way.

Kaoru Ishikawa is often credited with “democratizing statistics.” This relates to his desire to spread quality control ideas throughout the workplace. His tools make it easier to comprehend raw data, making quality improvements simpler. Check Sheets are a perfect example of this. Although they can vary a good deal depending on the type of data being collected, the purpose of the check sheet is always the same.



“The Check Sheet is used to facilitate the collection and analysis of data. ‘Garbage in, Garbage out’ is an old cliché, but it is true. Therefore, the purpose for which data is being collected must be clear. Data reflects facts, but only if they are properly collected. The number of defects and where they are found can be recorded and analyzed for causes” (Soin 297).



There are a few steps for constructing a check sheet. Since they are used for “determining the occurrence of events such as non-conformities, including the position in which they appear on the non-conforming item”(Bunney), the first step is to identify what problems, or “non-conforming items” occur often. The next step is to construct the table, which will become the actual sheet. Usually the defects/problems/”non-conforming items” are the titles of the different rows on the left side. The top of the sheet contains columns that usually are the time periods in which the problems may occur. Once all of the rows are ready, the only thing left to do is implement the check sheet in the workplace. This means checking off the type of defect that occurs when it happens. This data can then be analyzed for trends using histograms, Pareto analysis, or in obvious cases just by eye
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