TABLE OF CONTENTS There can be no improvement where there are no standards standards exist only to be superseded by better standards. Every standard, every specification and every measurement cries out for constant revision and upgrading.
Masaaki Imai
Measurement, analysis and improvement processes are vital to the achievement of quality. Until we measure using devices of known integrity, we know little about a process or its outcomes. But if we measure using instruments that are unfit for purpose, we will be misled by the results. With the results of valid measurement we can make a judgement on the basis of facts. The facts will tell us whether we have met the target. Analysis of the facts will tell us whether the target can be met using the same methods or better methods or whether the target is the right target to aim for. Measurements without a target value to compare results of measurement are measurements without a purpose. The target value is therefore vital but arbitrary values de-motivate personnel. Targets should always be focused on purpose so that through the chain of measures from corporate objectives to component dimensions there is a soundly based relationship between targets, measures, objectives and the purpose of the organization, process or product.
Measurement Axioms
What gets measured gets managed. What gets reported gets attention.
Measurement tells us whether there has been a change in performance. Change is a constant. It exists in everything and is caused by physical, social or economic forces.
