Deming's Impact on Industrial Statistics: Some Reflections

Abstract

This article assesses the impact that the late W. Edwards Deming had on statistical practice in general and industrial statistics in particular. It provides a direct-from-the-trenches comparison of Deming's goals with their realizations and a commentary on the relevance and challenges of Deming's concepts to today's industrial environment.

Key Words:

• Industrial statistics
• Quality control
• Rapid new product introduction
• Statistical leader
• Statistical process control