Which tool is commonly used in TQM for analyzing process variations?

Control charts are a fundamental tool in Total Quality Management (TQM) used to analyze process variations over time, making them vital for monitoring performance and ensuring stability in processes. They provide a visual representation of data collected from processes, allowing teams to observe trends, fluctuations, or any unusual variations that may indicate issues within the process.

The primary purpose of control charts is to determine whether a process is in a state of control or if it is experiencing special cause variation, which can be attributed to changes that need to be investigated. By plotting data points against predetermined control limits, operators can quickly identify when a process is going out of control and take corrective actions.

The other options also serve important analytical functions in TQM, but they specialize in different aspects. Flowcharts are excellent for mapping out processes and workflows, making it easier to identify potential areas for improvement. Fishbone diagrams (or cause-and-effect diagrams) are useful for identifying root causes of problems and fostering brainstorming sessions for potential solutions. Histograms allow for the visualization of data distributions, providing insights into the characteristics of the data set but do not offer the same ongoing monitoring capabilities as control charts.

Thus, while all these tools play valuable roles in the TQM process, control charts are specifically tailored for