Check sheet poster

A check sheet is a simple form for collecting facts where and when they happen, so the counts are real and not remembered. It is the first of the seven basic quality tools and the one the others depend on. This poster gives five steps to a check sheet that works (one question, defined items, split by shift or machine, marked at the source, read every day) and the four common kinds: tally, defect location, checklist and distribution.

Download the poster

The PNG is free to download now. The print-ready vector PDFs open after a short form, once.

Download PNG (300 dpi)2550 x 3300 px, prints at 8.5 x 11 in · 423 KB · no form

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Check sheet poster — 24 x 36 in18 x 24 inA2A3LetterA4PNG 300 dpi

The words on the poster

A check sheet that works

Count the facts where and when they happen.

Ask one question Which defect, where and when? Collect only what answers it.
Define each item A name and a picture for each defect, so everyone counts the same.
Split it A column per shift, machine or hour, so patterns show.
Mark it at the source The moment it happens, not at the end of the shift.
Read it daily Total it, chart it, act on it.

Four kinds

Tally Count each type of defect.
Defect location Mark where, on a drawing.
Checklist Tick each item as done.
Distribution Tally readings into ranges.

Kinds of check sheet after Hitoshi Kume, Statistical Methods for Quality Improvement.

On the floor

How to use it

Putting the Check sheet poster to work

1
Put it where new check sheets are designed: the quality office or improvement room.
2
Before a team starts counting, check its sheet against the five steps.
3
Post the defect pictures next to the sheet so everyone counts the same thing.
4
Pair it with the free defect check sheet and defect catalogue.

Where the poster goes and how to teach with it, in the order to try them.

Which size to print

24 x 36 in or A2: a main wall or team board, read from a few metres away.
18 x 24 in or A3: a station or notice board. The A3 file also fits 11 x 17 in paper.
Letter or A4: a clipboard, binder or handout, on any office printer.

Every PDF is vector, so it stays sharp at full size. Nothing runs to the edge of the page, so no bleed is needed.

Sources and notes

Hitoshi Kume, Statistical Methods for Quality Improvement (AOTS, 1985): check sheets for distributions, defective items, defect locations and checkup confirmation.