A Run Chart is the simplest tool to construct and use. Observation points are plotted on a linear time scale between a designated origin and a variable end point. It is commonly used to graph the results of a process such as quantity output per shift, machine downtime, on-time deliveries per day. If nine points lie on one side of the average the cycle can said to be undergoing an unusual event. If six points continue in an increasing or decreasing manner, there is a likelihood of a permanent change to the process or product characteristic.
Procedure Determine the attribute to be tracked.
Begin data collection upon agreed date. Make sure data collection is conducted under a consistent environment. Plot data over time, while calculating a simple average. Illustration See also the relationship to a Control Chart .