RE: Seddon on Six Sigma . . . is ISO 9000 really the best way?

["Dirk van Putten" <dvanputten@linear.com>]

Hello Alan:

I do not understand your analogy.

I didn't say ISO 9001 is the best way or the only way. I said it is a tool;
a reference point. Just like "The New Economics" or "Out of the Crisis."
Reference points. Tools. Things that can help us.

I think you are missing my point. I am not speaking at all about
registration  or certification. I am speaking about the document called ISO
9001:2000. Registration and certification are related but separate
activities and industries. ISO does have a little say in registration via
the CASCO division of ISO. That is about the only connection between ISO and
ISO 9001 registration.

I am NOT advocating that all organizations go down the "ISO route" whatever
that is. Someone made a posting that assumed using ISO 9001 includes
registration. It does not. Anyone can obtain and read the document.
Unfortunately, almost all people think that auditors, registrars,
implementation, and reading the document mandates a certification and a flag
on the pole. The standard is so generally written that I cannot see how all
of it would be bad or destructive.

Today the following was posted. I couldn't say it better myself. An
organization may find value in reading or implementing part or all of ISO
9001; one possible tool for improvement of an organization.

Begin quote <Many of us look for companies that operate using Deming's
ideas.  It
is very rare to find one that doesn't violate more than one of the 14
points (even when they commit to Deming's ideas).  I think this is
perfectly reasonable.  I think it is reasonable for a journey to begin
with a portion of what we would like to see.  As the organization
improves they can take on more.  I don't think it is reasonable to
look for a conflict with Deming's ideas and then dismiss a management
methodology as unworthy.> End Quote.

If I missed your point, please let me know. Keep in mind I am an eager,
learning, rookie in the Deming world.

Regards, Dirk van Putten