Which chart is specifically used to track a measured value over time?

A run chart is specifically designed to track a measured value over time, making it an effective tool for observing trends, shifts, or patterns in data across a specified time period. In a run chart, data points are plotted in the order they are collected, allowing for clear visualization of changes and helping to identify trends or cycles in the measured values.

This characteristic makes run charts particularly useful in quality control, where understanding variations over time is crucial for improving processes and making informed decisions. By analyzing the data plotted on a run chart, organizations can determine whether a process is stable or if it has changed, which is essential for ongoing quality efforts.

Other chart types have different purposes: a histogram is used for visualizing the distribution of data; a flowchart represents processes or workflows; and a control chart monitors process stability by showing data points relative to control limits. While control charts also track data over time, they are more focused on distinguishing between common and special cause variations, which is a more complex analysis compared to what a run chart provides.