Quality Insight -

Run Charts
 Definition

>> What is a run chart?

• Run chart is the most basic tool used to display how a

process performs over time.

• It is a line graph of data points plotted in a chronological

order i.e. the sequence in which a process events occurred.
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• These data points represent measurements, counts, or

percentages of process output.
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 Usage of a Run Chart

>> Why should teams use Run Charts?

Using Run Charts can help you determine whether your process is stable (free of special
•
causes), consistent, and predictable. Unlike other tools, such as Pareto Charts or Histograms,
Run Charts display data in the sequence in which they occurred.

“This enables you to visualize how your process is performing and helps you to detect signals
of special causes of variation”
The following provide some guidance in interpreting a run chart:
•
Eight consecutive points above (or below) the center line (mean or median) suggest a shift in the
•
process
Six successive increasing (or decreasing) points suggest a trend IncomingVolume
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Fourteen successive points alternating up and
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down suggest a cyclical process
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 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREATING A
RUN CHART
Step 1 : Gathering Data
To begin any run chart, some type of process or operation must be
available to take measurements for analysis. Measurements must be
taken over a period of time. The data must be collected in a
chronological or sequential form. You may start at any point and end at
any point. For best results, at least 25 or more samples must be taken in
order to get an accurate run chart.

Step 2 : Organizing Data

Once the data has been placed in chronological or sequential
form, it must be divided into two sets of values x and y. The
values for x represent time and the values for y represent the
measurements taken from the manufacturing process or
operation.
Step 3 : Charting Data
Plot the y values versus the x values by hand or by computer, using an
appropriate scale that will make the points on the graph visible. Next,
draw vertical lines for the x values to separate time intervals such as
weeks. Draw horizontal lines to show where trends in the process or
operation occur or will occur.

Step 4 : Interpreting Data

After drawing the horizontal and vertical lines to segment data, interpret
the data and draw any conclusions that will be beneficial to the process
or operation. Some possible outcomes are:
Trends in the chart
Cyclical patterns in the data
Observations from each time interval are consistent
 Different Patterns in a Run Chart

>> What are the Patterns of a Run Chart?

Oscillation Pattern IncomingVolume

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Mixture Pattern

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Cluster Pattern
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Trend Pattern
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“Lets look at each of the Run Chart Patterns in the upcoming slides”
Oscillation Pattern
Mixture Pattern
Cluster Pattern
Trend Pattern
 Run Chart
Run Chart of Accuracy
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Accuracy

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Sample
Number of runs about median: 26 Number of runs up or down: 28
Expected number of runs: 21.00000 Expected number of runs: 26.33333
Longest run about median: 3 Longest run up or down: 3
Approx P-Value for Clustering: 0.94540 Approx P-Value for Trends: 0.73880
Approx P-Value for Mixtures: 0.05460 Approx P-Value for Oscillation: 0.26120

If the P-Value of Clustering, Mixtures, Trends, Oscillations is >.05 that means that
there is no special cause variation in the process there can be only common cause variation which are
inherent to the process
Caution
Be careful not to use too many notations on a run chart. Keep it as simple as possible and include only
the information necessary to interpret the chart.
Do not draw conclusions that are not justified by the data. Certain trends and interpretations may
require more statistical testing to determine if they are significant.
Whenever possible, use a run chart to show the variation in the process. Do not assume that the
variation is so clear and obvious that a run chart is unnecessary.
A run chart must not lie or mislead! To ensure that this does not happen, follow these guidelines:
Scales must be in regular intervals
Charts that are to be compared must also use the same scale and symbols
Charts should be easy to read