Tools For Applications

The Quality Toolbook > Tools for Applications

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First section in this chapter -->

For tools to add value in any situation, they must help satisfy specific needs. This chapter identifies key needs in these areas and identifies characteristics of tools that are required to address these needs. These are then used to classify and identify types of tools. Finally, tools in this book are related back to the applications that were identified in the chapter on Applications for Tools.

Major sections in this chapter are:

• Key needs: What we ask of the tools we use.
• Tool characteristics: Overall differences between tools.
• Tool types: Specific types of tools.
  • Hierarchies
  • Networks
  • Maps

  • Block charts

  • Point graphs
  • Matrices
  • Calculations
  • Group tools
  • Tables
• Relating tools and applications: Connecting tools to their use.