The run chart allows us to learn a great deal
about the performance of our process with
minimal mathematical complexity. Specifically,
it provides a simple method to determine
if a process is demonstrating non-random
patterns, what we term a ‘signal’. By focussing
on the time order that data are collected, the
run chart can be applied when traditional
methods to determine statistical significance
(t-test, chi-square, F test) are not useful.
Important uses of the run chart for improvement
activities include the following