Use run charts whenever a variable of interest is to be motored over time. The steps for creating run chart are:
- After collecting data, decide which variable is independent and which variable is dependent. Place the independent variable on the x-axis and the dependent variable in the y-axis. Time is customarily considered to be independent and therefore placed on the x-axis. Other variables, such as a lot number, could also be used.
- Label both axes and plot the points. Join the consecutive points with line segments. Multiple data sets may be displayed on the run chart and appropriately colored and/or dashed.
- Label the title of the run chart and place an arrow up or down based on which direction is desirable. If the desired result is a target value, it should be annotated.
- Update the run chart by adding additional data as available
- Examine the variability of the data overtime. if large swings in the data appear, brainstorm possible sources of this variability and implement a corrective action system, including SOPs
