Discovery and Problem AnalysisResource

Pareto 80/20 Rule

Identifying the most significant contributors.

The Pareto principle suggests that relatively few causes often account for a large proportion of effects. Pareto analysis ranks categories so improvement can focus on the most significant contributors.

How to use this tool

  1. Select a measurable problem

    Select a measurable problem.

  2. Collect and categorise data

    Collect and categorise relevant data.

  3. Rank cumulative impact

    Rank categories and calculate cumulative impact.

  4. Focus on the significant few

    Focus investigation on the most significant contributors.

References & further reading

Juran, J. M. (1951). Quality Control Handbook. McGraw-Hill.