This overview is based upon the case study in the IE460 course notes. In this study, the subject was a small manufacturer of key rings whose intention was to develop a quality improvement program. In the course of the analysis, an example of the application of each of the quality control tools has been provided.

The initial step in the quality improvement process was to acquire relevant data. This was effectively facilitated with the use of a checksheet. The data thus obtained was further analyzed with the use of a Pareto chart (and other graphical methods) to assess the relative importance of each element, or factor, in the study.

Having narrowed the focus of the analysis to a given problem, a flowchart of the plastic tag process was developed to facilitate the analysis. Furthermore, each possible contributory factor was included in a cause and effect diagram for further consideration. The selection of a specific "cause" led to the collection of relevant data which was then analyzed using a histogram and scatterplot. A possible solution to correct some of the edge flaw defects was subsequently developed from that analysis.

Finally, additional data was provided regarding possible causes for the print quality problems to demonstrate the use of control charts in analyzing data

Click here to see a flow chart depicting how the manufacturers utilise the seven Quality Tools to improve it's manufacturing processes.