What is a Check Sheet?

A Check Sheet is an important tool for effective data collection and analysis. It is a form used to collect required data in a systematic and organized manner.

A Check Sheet is a data collection tool that usually identifies where and how often problems appear in a product or service.  In other words, it is a blank form used to systematically collect and organize data on a factual basis at the location where the data is generated.

It is specifically designed for the process being investigated. Both variable and attribute data can be recorded on this sheet. The collected data can be qualitative or quantitative. If the data is quantitative, often, it is called a tally sheet. The data collected can be used as input for other quality tools such as histograms, bar graphs, and Pareto charts.

When Would We Use a Check Sheet in a Six Sigma Project?

It is a highly proven method in many industries for business process improvements.

• To collect data manually
• To capture the shift, machine, and operator production data
• When collecting frequency data and identifying patterns of rejections, defect location, and defect causes.
• To capture product and process-related parameters to ensure quality

Why Do We Record Check Sheets

Check Sheets are one of the famous 7 QC process improvement tools. It is used for measuring data during the Measure phase of DMAIC. Generally, it is a table with defined rows and columns. Operators enter one checkmark for each data point or defect. They are also used for traceability purposes.

How to Create Check Sheets

• Determine what information to capture. In other words, what defect or problem data to collect
• Establish the data collection frequency
• Construct the form, including title, date/time, location, name of the operator, and categories
• Test the form with three or four operators to make sure that the important information is captured and also to make sure it is easy to use
• Train the operators on the usage of form
• Get the final approval to use the form

Different types of Check Sheets

• Production process distribution check sheet
• Defect location check sheet
• Defect cause check sheet
• Defective item check sheet
• Check-up confirmation sheet is nothing but a checklist

Benefits

• To provide documentary evidence of data collection
• Helps to create histograms, bar graphs, and Pareto charts
• Monitor the process performance and also easy to use
• To provide a base for future reference
• Quantify defects by type, location, and cause
• It helps to identify the frequency of the problem occurring

Checklists vs. Check Sheets

A Check Sheet is one of the 7 QC process improvement tools for capturing and categorizing observations. The checklist is a mistake-proofing aid to ensure all the important steps or actions have been taken, especially when checking or auditing the process outputs.

A Check Sheet is used to collect the data, whereas a checklist marks the accomplishment. A checklist is a tool used to organize work effectively and to efficiently verify the most critical tasks.

An Example of Creating and Using a Check Sheet

The following are examples of a Tally Sheet. To create a Tally Sheet, list the type of non-conformance, tally the number of times it happens, and sum the total. Furthermore, a Tally sheet easily turns into a Pareto chart.

Excel Template

What is a Measles Chart

A Measles Chart, also known as a defect location check sheet, is a visual tool for collecting data. It is commonly used to record location data and shows problems in a geographic area.

When Would You Use a Measles Chart?

Use the Measles Chart specifically to analyze a problem’s location and density, not just to collect the count of problems. In addition, Measles Charts help determine where the common defects on parts are located.

How to use Check Sheets Along Side Measles Charts

The Check Sheet is to monitor the number of defects and percentage of defects; simultaneously, Measles Charts help in identifying the location of defects.

In a manufacturing scenario, draw a picture of the part. Whenever a defect is identified, the operator has to mark it on the picture where the defect has occurred.

An Example of a Measles Chart

Example: A big red x on the engine area on a car image given to you by AAA shows that you need to change your oil.

Also, see Problem Identification.

Helpful Video

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Questions:

Question: Which of the following tools would be most appropriate for collecting data to study the symptoms of a problem? (Taken from ASQ sample Black Belt exam.)

(A) Check Sheet
(B) Flow diagram
(C) Force-field analysis
(D) Activity network diagram

Answer: