RE: Article on ISO & Quotas

[Steven_S_Prevette@rl.gov]

One can have measurable quality objectives, and still not apply quotas.  For
example (and this is built into our management system at Fluor Hanford) we
define a quantifiable objectives without the use of quotas or numerical
targets.  Take a performance measure.  Then you do a control chart of it.
If it is stable (all common cause variation, no trends, no special causes),
then management sets an objective.  The objective is to either maintain the
current level, or it is to gain a significant improvement.  The objective of
maintaining the current level is quantifiable - you use the SPC rules to
determine if you are indeed remaining stable.  The objective of achieving
improvement is quantifiable - triggering an SPC rule in the improving
direction.  And you are (most likely) only going to trigger an SPC rule if
you have caused a real change rather than gotten lucky with a minimalist
target.

We are even overlaying the popular RED/YELLOW/GREEN stoplight system over
the SPC rules.  RED is a non-improving trend (special cause).  GREEN is an
improving trend.  GREEN is also being stable at a level that management
accepts.  YELLOW is being stable at a level from which improvement is
needed.

A long time DEN member did accuse me of overusing the Mark Graham Brown
story, so I thought I would put forth a positive response in how to meet the
ISO requirement, but still follow a Deming approach without numerical
targets.  By the way, I got an envelope addressed to 4314 this weekend, so
the Postal story continues.

Steve Prevette
Site Technical Authority for Statistical Trending
Environment, Safety and Health
Fluor Hanford, A Fluor Global Services Company
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
steven_s_prevette@rl.gov
509-373-9371