7 QC Tools (Seven Quality Control Tools)

Classic set of seven fundamental quality tools developed in Japan for data-driven problem-solving and process improvement. The traditional tools are: Check Sheet, Histogram, Pareto Chart, Cause-and-Effect Diagram (Fishbone), Scatter Diagram, Control Chart, and Stratification. These tools form the foundation of quality management and are used across all problem-solving methodologies—A3, Six Sigma, and 8D. Sometimes called the 'Seven Basic Tools of Quality.' Note: Some modern lists substitute Flowchart for Stratification, but the Japanese original uses Stratification.