The pick chart is a 2x2 matrix that organizes process improvement ideas for easy review. The vertical scale on the matrix measures difficulty and the horizontal scale measures how beneficial the idea would be if implemented. Pick charts are often used by project managers in group settings where employees are able to collaborate on potential ideas for improvement in a department. Working together on this method of brainstorming gives everyone on the team a chance to participate and have their voice heard, which is important when gathering different insights on potential solutions. This type of inclusive environment can bring forth more ideas and solutions rather than just one project manager working on their own.
The visual component of a pick chart is helpful because it enables ideas to be physically placed on a scale for easy comparison. Sticky notes or small pieces of paper taped to the chart are excellent options for visualizing ideas and determining where they stand in difficulty and payoff for the company.
The four categories that exist in a PICK chart are:
Possible – These projects are easy to do but have a low payoff
Implement – These projects are easy to do and have a high payoff
Challenge – These projects are hard to complete but have a high payoff
Kill – These projects are difficult to do and have a low payoff
The pick chart is another method to measure the return on investment which is an important aspect regarding a company’s success. Anyone can use a pick chart to prioritize improvement projects or other project management tasks – that is the beauty of this type of Lean Six Sigma tool.
Similar Glossary Terms
- Burndown Chart
- PERT Chart
- Spider Chart
- RACI Chart
- Affinity Diagram
- Yamazumi Chart
- Levey Jennings Chart
- Gantt Charts
- Critical Path Method (CPM)
