QUALITY

Quality is defined as “conformance to requirements”.

Quality is not the subjective issue that we often think of. For example, humans tend to think of something that is appealing, shiny and robust as being a “quality” item. It is if those are the only requirements (specifications)– it may not even work, but it sure looks good! A concrete life preserver can be made to an ISO quality plan!
For example, if the only specification is for a means of transportation with 4 wheels, steering and a seat – a kid’s wagon or a 2X4 frame with lawnmower wheels, boat cushion and rope steering are both QUALITY solutions. So is a Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Roadster, but at an exorbitantly higher price!!! Joseph Juran was an engineer who helped establish the field of quality management. He died recently at the age of 103. Juran is credited with being the agent of change who helped Japan implement “total quality” into its industry more than 50 years ago. This helped that country shake off a previously shoddy image as a maker of cheap and inferior products. He initially had more success in Japan than in America - unfortunately.

Juran’s work in quality management also led to the development of the widely practiced business methodologies\ known as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. He also was the first to apply the Pareto Principle* to quality issues. Known as the 80-20 rule, the Pareto principle states that 80 percent of the consequences come from 20 percent of the causes. This is a way of prioritizing the root cause of failures or defects. What problem occurs most often? First concentrate on resolving it. Then tackle the next most common reason for rejection. And so on until the most critical issues are addressed. It is usually these 20% of the “big bar” items (from a bar or column chart) that cause 80% of the complaints or failures. The chart shows three major defect types to examine for cause: bent shafts, long and undersized ones.

Juran established a business principle of: “Whatever you do, make sure it improves society. Don’t just do it for the sake of profit”. Certainly this is a noble thesis and a foundation of ethical behavior for professional engineers. A historical note of interest: Public safety from boiler explosions was the reason for organizing the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1880. This organization publishes the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code even today. Be sure that your designs meet the specification – that is QUALITY. If you can exceed the specification for the same cost, that is even better. That will distinguish you from the competition and give a competitive advantage. But be careful about over-designing or “gilding the lily” (i.e., a lily is beautiful enough without gold additions). The customer may not be willing to pay for extra features that he may not need, especially when they come at a higher price.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder. But Quality is conformance to requirements