Quality Guru
William Edwards Deming (14.10.1900 – 20.12.1993)
Deming Wheel for Continuous Improvement
PLAN stage involves analyzing the current
situation, gathering data, and developing ways to
make improvements.
The DO stage involves testing alternatives
experimentally in a laboratory establishing a pilot
process, or trying it out with small number of
customers.
The CHECK stage requires determining whether the
trial or process is working as intended, whether
any changes are needed.
The ACT stage focuses on implementing the
process within the organization or with its
customers and suppliers.
Once all this stages are completed to the fullest
satisfaction, the improvement is standardized. The
standardized work or product is the result of
improvement initiative but it is not stopped here.
With the changing circumstances or new
techniques this standardized work, process,
product or service is again subjected to further
improvement thus repeating the Deming Cycle
again and again.
Deming was an American Engineer Specialized
in Statistics. In 1927, he was inspired by the
works of Walter A shewhart, the originator of
Statistical Process Control concept and its
primary tool called Control Chart. Deming
applied the knowledge of Common and Special
causes for studying variation, not only in the
manufacturing process but also as a
Management tool to improve the business
processes.
Deming developed the Sampling techniques
which were first used in the US census in year
1940. Sampling principle today is inseparable
tool in the Quality journey of each
organization.
Deming’s Message was that improving Quality
leads to increased productivity and reduced
costs there by resulting in the higher market
share.
A number of Japanese manufacturers applied
his techniques and widely experienced unheard
levels of Quality and Productivity. These
primarily lead to the International market
demand for Japanese products.
The Deming Cycle also known as the Wheel of
Continuous improvement is extensively used in
all the business processes.
In year 1951, the prestigious Deming prize was
established in recognition of the unmatched
contribution of Deming in the field of Quality.
Two categories of awards are made annually,
the Deming Prize for Individuals and the
Deming Application Prize.