Deming Point 1
Constancy of Purpose

Below I discuss Dr. Edward Deming Point 1 of his 13 recommended management techniques. Dr. Deming lived from 1900 to 1993. He is a well known Quality expert and one of my favorite mentors.

Because of the work he did in Japan after WWII, Japan JUSE issues a yearly Deming Prize to a selected Japanese company who extensively uses quality control and quality assurance in all management facets. The Deming Prize inspired the Malcom Baldridge Award given in the US.

Dr. Deming Point 1 Constancy of Purpose

Looking at the big picture, companies have two problems. The first problem is dealing with everyday issues including quality, production, sales, and profits. The second problem is dealing with and planning for the future.

Most companies have people, systems, plans and resources in place to deal with daily issues. However companies that don't plan and address the future can lead to serious troubles.

Your organization needs to think 5 years out and lay out plans to achieving the 5 year goals. Below are some questions that need to be answered during the planning.

• What new products will be offered?
• What is the planning process for the new products?
• What will be the method of production?
• What new skills will be required, and for how many people?
• What will be the cost of marketing? What will be the cost and methods of service?
• How will the company know if the customer is satisfied?
• What is the process for assuring competent training?

When companies invest in the future, employees feel more secure and less likely to look for other jobs.

To prepare for the future, companies must invest today. They invest in their employees by continuously training them. They teach them statistical methods and quality assurance tools. They invest in research and science. They seek out new and improved methods for their current processes and future processes.

Improvement is a never ending cycle. Companies must continuously reduce variation, reduce defects, and reduce end users' costs.

Companies realize that the status quo will be their downfall. People are concerned about the future. They want to know the company's plans. Management communicates the plans to all the employees.

Management creates and works the future plans. Many companies create plans but those plans sit idle and collect dust. These companies only focus on the immediate issues, short term profits and stockholders. These organizations need to rethink their reason for being in business.

Dr Deming’s 14 points

1. Create constancy of purpose for improvement of product and service.
2. Adopt the new philosophy
3. Cease dependence on mass inspection
4. End the practice of awarding business on price tag alone
5. Improve constantly and forever the system of production and service.
6. Institute training
7. Institute leadership
8. Drive out fear
9. Break down barriers between staff areas
10. Eliminate slogans, exhortations, and targets for the workforce.
11. Eliminate numerical quotas.
12. Remove barriers to pride of workmanship.
13. Institute a vigorous program of education and retraining.
14. Take action to accomplish the transformation.