A nice quote about Deming and Statistics

["Prevette, Steven S" <Steven_S_Prevette@rl.gov>]

While researching the question about the quote on Understanding Variation
and Dr. Deming, I came across a nice quote that appeared as the editorial in
the South Bend [Indiana] Tribune on December 28, 1993.  The title of the
editorial is "Deming's impact".

"At the heart of his method to improve quality was the use of statistics to
detect flaws in production processes.  However, Deming's approach went far
beyond numbers and mechanics.  He urged a broader management philosophy
emphasizing problem-solving based on cooperation."

Now, we can further refine this to say that systems thinking (part of SOPK)
goes beyond mere problem solving and detecting flaws, but I think it is a
good, concise quote, especially for non-systems thinkers.

Steve Prevette
Occupational Safety and Health
Fluor Hanford, A Fluor Global Services Company
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
steven_s_prevette@rl.gov
509-373-9371