The Six Sigma Handbook, Revised and Expanded, 2nd Edition

8.6. 7M TOOLS

Since Dr. Shewhart launched modern quality control practice in 1931, the pace of change in recent years has been accelerating. The 7M tools are an example of the rapidly changing face of quality technology. While the traditional QC tools (Pareto analysis, control charts, etc.) are used in the analysis of quantitative data, the 7M tools apply to qualitative data as well. The "M" stands for Management, and the tools are focused on managing and planning quality improvement activities. In recognition of the planning emphasis, these tools are often referred to as the "7 MP" tools. This section will provide definitions of the 7M tools. The reader is referred to Mizuno (1988) for additional information on each of these techniques.