Seven Steps or Seven QC Steps

The 7 QC Steps process is a structured problem solving approach for improving weak processes. This approach is known as reactive improvement. The 7 QC Steps is easy to understand and learn, easy to use, and easy to monitor.

The 7 QC steps process is structured as follows:

Step 1: Select a Theme. In this step, the weakness in the process or the problem to be solved is clarified in a theme statement. A Flowchart, a Theme Selection Matrix, or a Cause & Effect Diagram is used as a tool in this step.

Step 2: Collect and Analyze Data. This step focuses facts about the problem and discovers what types of problems occur frequently. When collecting data, you must think of all possible causes. Checksheets and Pareto Diagrams are the tools most often used.

Step 3: Analyze Causes.With sufficient data from step 2, the root cause, or fundamental cause, is found by constructing a Cause & Effect Diagram.

Step 4: Plan and Implement Solution. In this step, you brainstorm for ideas that are causing the problem and develop a solution that prevents the root cause from recurring. Then, you implement an adjustment to the process. The 4W's and 1H Matrix (What, When, Where, Who, and How Matrix) is used to develop a plan.

Step 5: Evaluate Effects.You evaluate the effects of implemented solution to make sure the solution worked and does not have unacceptable results from the comparison of data, before and after the implementation of the solution. In this step, comparative Pareto Charts and Graphs are frequently used to identify the results.

Step 6: Standardize Solution. A standardized solution is confirms that the old process is replaced with an improved process and indicates that the solution is workable. A flowchart is most often used.

Step 7: Reflect on Process and the Next Problem. In this step, you consider what the team's accomplishment was in the first 6 steps and recommend a weakness to work on next.