Prepare the Data

Before you produce the diagram, begin with your data in two columns of a data table.

Figure 14.3 Example of the Ishikawa.jmp Data Table 

Notice that the Parent value Defects in circuit board (the effect) has five major factors, listed in the Child column. One of these major factors is Inspection, which has its own causes listed in the Child column. Parent values have children, and children can have their own children (and therefore be listed in both the Parent and Child columns.)