Quality tools - systematic use in process industry

Purpose: The paper is dealing with one segment of broader research of universality systematicness in application of seven basic quality tools (7QC tools). The research was carried out in different areas that include power plant, process industry, government, health and tourism services. The aim of the research was to show on practical examples that there is real possibility of application of 7QC tools. Furthermore, the research has to show to what extent are selected tools in usage and what reasons of avoiding their broader application are. The simple example of successful application of one of quality tools are shown on selected company in process industry. Design/methodology/approach: In the research each of 7QC tools have been tested and its applicability in the frame of selected business has been shown. Systematic approach is explained on the example of selected company in process industry which is ISO 9000:2000 certified. Findings: Conducted research has shown that there is possibility of systematic application of all of the 7QC tools in the frame of companies' overall quality management system. The research has also shown that 7QC tools are not so wide spread as expected, although they are quite simple for application and easy to interpret. The further investigation should be carried out in order to find reasons for such condition, and, in accordance, to define appropriate corrective actions to eliminate or minimize that problem. Practical implications: The partners in research were from different area of business, as stated above. To each partner has been shown in what manner can quality tools are applied and how formal quality management system can help in process improvement on day-to day basis. Originality/value: The main value of conducted research is, in author's opinion, to show to each partner in research that all of 7QC tools can be successfully applied within their own business. Also, the correlation between formal quality management system and 7QC tools has been research and shown that formal quality management system has positive influence and is supportive to application of 7QC tools.