Key Differences

Aspect Run Chart Control Chart

A simple graph to observe data A statistical tool that monitors
Definition
patterns over time. process stability using control limits.
Tracks trends, shifts, or cycles over Determines if a process is statistically
Purpose
time. in control.
Includes Upper Control Limit (UCL)
Use of Limits No control limits, only a median line.
and Lower Control Limit (LCL).
Identifies whether a process is under
Indication of Process Control Cannot confirm process stability.
statistical control.
Non-statistical; visual observation of Based on statistical calculations like
Statistical Basis
trends and patterns. mean, standard deviation.
Differentiates between common
Highlights all variations but doesn’t
Types of Variations Identified cause variation (natural) and special
differentiate causes.
cause variation (unusual events).
Provides clear signals when
Indicates when further investigation
Actionability intervention is required due to special
might be needed.
cause variations.
Mean or a specific process target
Typical Central Line Median of the dataset.
value.
More complex; requires statistical
Complexity Simple to create and interpret.
calculations.
Requires a significant amount of data
Data Requirement Small datasets are sufficient.
to set accurate control limits.
Identifies trends, cycles, and shifts Quantitatively determines trends or
Analysis of Trends
qualitatively. deviations using control limits.
Triggered when points fall outside
Based on visual patterns (e.g., shifts
Trigger for Investigation control limits or exhibit specific
or trends).
patterns.
Requires minimal training; easy to Requires understanding of statistical
Ease of Use
implement. principles.
Ideal for early monitoring or Used for ongoing monitoring and
Process Monitoring Stage
exploratory analysis. ensuring process control.
Basic process tracking (e.g., defect Advanced quality control in
Common Applications
count over time). manufacturing, healthcare, etc.
Outliers are observed visually, Outliers are explicitly identified when
Detection of Outliers
without a defined threshold. they exceed control limits.
General indication of changes over Precise feedback on when and why
Feedback Precision
time. process intervention is needed.

By: Subhransu
Sekhar Mohanty
 Scenario Run Chart Control Chart
Initial exploration of process ✅ Ideal for identifying ❌ Not ideal for exploratory
data. trends and shifts. analysis.
Monitoring ongoing process ❌ Cannot confirm process ✅ Designed for ensuring
stability. control. stability.
Simple tool for quick ✅ Quick and easy to ❌ Requires more effort
visualization. create. and calculations.
Need to distinguish variation ❌ Does not differentiate ✅ Differentiates common
types. variation. and special causes.

Components Comparison
Component Run Chart Control Chart
Central Line Median of the data. Mean or target value.
UCL and LCL (calculated based on process
Additional Lines None.
variability).
Data Points Sequential data over time. Sequential data over time.

Use Cases
Scenario Run Chart Control Chart
Useful to observe general trends before Less appropriate for early exploration
Initial Process Analysis
deeper analysis. without limits.
Cannot confirm stability; shows patterns Determines if a process is in statistical
Process Stability
only. control.
Identifies potential areas for deeper Indicates when to investigate due to special
Root Cause Analysis
investigation. cause variation.
Ensures the process operates within defined
Ongoing Monitoring Simple process tracking.
limits.

Advantages
Run Chart Control Chart

❑ Easy to construct and interpret. ❑ Provides rigorous statistical control.

❑ Requires minimal statistical knowledge. ❑ Differentiates between random and non-random variation.
❑ Enables predictive insights into process behaviour.
❑ Useful for identifying trends and shifts.

Limitations
Run Chart Control Chart
❑ Cannot detect specific variations (e.g., common vs. special cause). ❑ Requires accurate data and statistical expertise.
❑ No predefined limits to determine normal vs. abnormal behaviour. ❑ More complex to construct and maintain.

By: Subhransu
Sekhar Mohanty
 Decision Table
Criteria Run Chart Control Chart
Goal Observe trends or shifts. Monitor process stability.
Statistical Rigor Not required. Essential for detailed analysis.
Dataset Size Small datasets are sufficient. Larger datasets are preferred.
Process Stability Evaluation Cannot determine stability. Determines if the process is stable.
Monitoring Frequency Less frequent. Real-time or regular monitoring.
Ease of Use Easy, requires basic knowledge. Requires statistical expertise.

When to Use Both Charts Together

• Use a Run Chart first to identify trends and patterns when exploring new processes.
• Transition to a Control Chart once the process is well-understood and needs monitoring for stability
and control.

Type of Variation to Identify

Run Chart Control Chart
❑ Highlights trends, shifts, or cycles qualitatively. ❑ Quantitatively identifies special cause variations (e.g.,
❑ Does not differentiate between common and special points outside control limits).
cause variation. ❑ Helps understand if changes are due to natural variability
or external factors.
❑Ideal for the early stages of process analysis when you’re ❑ Best for processes that are already established and need
exploring data. monitoring for consistency.
❑ Use when you’re starting to observe performance trends. ❑ Use when you want to maintain control over a stable
process.

Key Factors to Consider

• Use a Run Chart if:
o You want a basic visualization of trends, patterns, or shifts over time.
o You need to identify general trends (e.g., increasing or decreasing patterns).
o Statistical rigor is not required.
• Use a Control Chart if:
o Your goal is to determine process stability.
o You need to distinguish common vs. special cause variation.
o You’re monitoring critical quality parameters in real-time.

By: Subhransu
Sekhar Mohanty