A PICK Chart sorts improvement ideas by payoff and implementation difficulty into Possible, Implement, Challenge, and Kill categories.
Definition
A PICK Chart is a simple two-by-two prioritization tool used to compare improvement ideas by expected payoff and ease of implementation. The four quadrants are Possible, Implement, Challenge, and Kill.
It helps teams move from idea generation to action without overanalyzing every suggestion.
History
PICK Charts became common in Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen events as a fast visual method for sorting improvement ideas. They complement brainstorming, nominal group technique, and effort-impact matrices.
When to Use
Use a PICK Chart after teams generate many improvement ideas and need a quick first-pass sort. It works well in Kaizen events, project selection, daily improvement boards, and workshops where decisions need visible consensus.
Step-by-Step
- Define the problem, scope, and decision criteria.
- List improvement ideas clearly.
- Rate each idea for likely payoff.
- Rate each idea for difficulty, cost, risk, or effort.
- Place ideas in the four quadrants.
- Select Implement ideas for quick action.
- Assign deeper study to Challenge ideas if payoff is high.
- Review results and update the chart as evidence improves.
Examples
- Implement: Relabel a storage rack that causes daily searching.
- Possible: Add a convenience checklist with modest benefit.
- Challenge: Re-layout a workcell for major flow improvement.
- Kill: Automate a rare task at high cost.
Common Pitfalls
- Undefined payoff or difficulty criteria.
- Letting seniority decide placement.
- No follow-up ownership for selected ideas.
- Using the chart as precise financial analysis.
- Ignoring safety or compliance risk.
- Leaving Challenge ideas without a study plan.