TABLE OF CONTENTS The idea of quality in manufacturing has probably undergone more change over the past fifty years than any other in industry. Perhaps the primary reason for this is that "quality" is more of a concept than a well-defined attribute and one that can apply to many different things including products, organizations, companies, and individuals. In fact, the word quality has been used interchangeably to describe all of the above.
The interviews Foxboro's research team conducted with senior manufacturing executives revealed that the quality trend in manufacturing has undergone three major transitions in the past half century (see figure 3.1). Most of this emphasis on quality has focused on maintaining and improving specific measurable attributes of products being manufactured. This period had been referred to as the "Quality for Manufacturing" period of the quality revolution. During the late 1980s the focus seemed to turn, at least in the process industries, to a much stronger technology emphasis that was based on statistical process control (SPC) tools. This period has been referred to as the "Quality for Technology" phase. Currently, there is a shift underway to a more performance-focused view of quality that is significantly changing the way quality is being addressed in manufacturing operations. It is referred to as the "Quality for the Bottom Line" phase.
The concept of quality has been important for as long as people have made products. But it is a very difficult concept to quantify. If a product...
