Every important activity in a value stream should be measured. A run chart is a common tool used to monitor these measurements over time. A run chart is alternatively called a time series chart or a trend chart. A run chart is basically a Statistical Process Control Chart without the upper and lower limits. For a run chart, the value stream measurement is displayed according to the Y axis and the time/sequence is displayed on the X axis. A histogram is a tool to graphically display the frequency of the value stream measurements without regard for time.

For a histogram, the value stream measurements are displayed on the X axis and the frequency of the measurements, according to dimensional categories, are displayed on the Y axis. The description of histogram is more akin to a bar chart, or when the categories are organized from most frequent to least frequent, to a pareto chart. A correct description of histogram, also called a frequency distribution chart, can be found at

under the subheading section title The Distribution, and including Tables 1 and 2, when analysis of the values stream measurements using a run chart and a histogram indicate that the performance is deficient, then the potential causes for “gaps” in performance can be analyzed with a Cause-and-Effect Diagram. When data are collected for these potential causes (or categories) of poor performance, then the data can be displayed with a Pareto chart, visually indicating the cause/categories by number or percentage, with the cause/category with the greatest number/frequency in the far left column and the cause/category with the least number/percentage in the far right column.

Choosing some process activity which is measured

Computer generated or hand draw submissions are accepted.

1. Create a run chart and make a comment about the performance

2. Create a histogram and make a comment about the performance

3. Brainstorm the potential causes of deficient performance using a cause-and-effect diagram, and make a comment about the results of the analysis. Here is a link to a template.

4. Create a pareto chart based upon causes/categories of performance deficiency, and make a comment about the results of the analysis.