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What is an interrelationship diagram? This is a question that many people don’t know the answer to.

An interrelationship diagram is a specialized type of relationship diagram that shows how different parts of a system are related to one another. It can be helpful for understanding the complex interactions between different parts of a system.

These are used for Finding Solutions Strategies by Clarifying Relationships with Complex Interrelated Causes. To allow a team to systematically identify, analyze, and classify the cause and effect relationships that exist among all critical issues. 

The interrelationship diagram is one of the new 7 QC tools. Other six being

1. Affinity Diagram 
2. Tree Diagram
3. Matrix Diagram 
4. Arrows Diagram 
5. Process Decision Program Chart
6. Prioritization Matrix- Matrix Data Analysis

When should you use an interrelationship diagram?

There are many different situations when an interrelationship diagram can be helpful. Some examples include:

• When you need to understand the complex interactions between different parts of a system.
• When you need to find solutions to problems with many interconnected causes.
• When you need to communicate the relationships between different entities in a clear and concise way.

What are the benefits of using an interrelationship diagram?

There are many benefits to using an interrelationship diagram. Some of these benefits include:

• They can help you to understand complex systems.
• They can help you to find solutions to problems with many interconnected causes.
• They can help you to communicate the relationships between different entities in a clear and concise way.
• Useful at the planning stage for obtaining perspective on the overall situation.
• Facilitates consensus among team
• Assists to develop and change people’s thinking
• Enables priorities to be identified accurately

How to make an Interrelationship diagram?

Steps for making an Interrelationship diagram are as follows :

Step #1

Express the problem in form of “Why isn’t something happening?”

Step #2

Each member lists 5 causes affecting the problem.

Step #3

Discuss info collected until everyone understands it thoroughly

Step #4

Write each item on a card

Step #5

Move cards into similar groups

Step #6

Asking why, explore the cause-effect relationships, and divide the cards into primary, secondary, and tertiary causes

Step #7

Connect all cards through these relationships

Step #8

Further, discuss until all possible causes have been identified 

Step #9

Review the whole diagram looking for relationships among causes

Step #10

Connect all related groups

What are some tips for creating an interrelationship diagram?

If you need to create an interrelationship diagram, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. These tips will help you to create a well-designed and effective diagram:

• Keep it simple – don’t try to show too much information in your diagram.
• Make sure that the relationships between different entities are clear.
• Use colors and labels to help communicate important information.
• Take your time – creating a good interrelationship diagram can take some time and effort.

Example of Interrelationship Diagram

References

www.asq.org