S3 E9 - Bill Bellows - Genichi Taguchi and Quality - Part 2
Jan 22, 2024
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Bill Bellows and Genichi Taguchi discuss the intersection of Deming's and Taguchi's quality philosophies in Japanese manufacturing. They delve into concepts such as precision, accuracy, variation, and fit in woodworking. They also explore the importance of systems thinking, understanding the consumer, and the influence of Deming and Taguchi on Toyota's quality practices.
Precision and accuracy are important in organizational settings, encompassing both zero defects and variations in shades of gray.
At home, individuals aim for precision while cutting materials, whereas at work, accuracy and variations within defined limits take priority due to the division of labor.
Deep dives
Precision and accuracy in organizational settings
The podcast explores the concept of precision and accuracy in organizational settings. It discusses how most organizations prioritize zero defects and very little variation around zero. However, precision and accuracy also apply in the realm of shades of gray, beyond just black and white. The process capability index, which is the heart of six sigma quality, focuses on precision by aiming for parts that are incredibly close together. However, it often neglects the aspect of accuracy and ideal values within the limits.
Different approaches at home and work
The podcast highlights the differences in approaches between home and work when it comes to drawing lines and cutting materials. At home, people typically draw a single line and cut to it, aiming for precision. This is seen as ideal because individuals are both the producer and consumer, hence experiencing immediate consequences of not achieving desired precision. In contrast, at work, two lines are often used to account for tolerances, focusing more on accuracy and allowing for variations in requirements. This can be attributed to the division of labor and separation between production and consumption in organizational settings.
Meeting requirements vs. system thinking
The podcast emphasizes the distinction between meeting requirements and understanding systems. In organizational settings, the emphasis is usually on whether a part meets requirements or not, without specifying the ideal value within the limits. This approach overlooks the importance of system thinking and the impact of variations on the overall system. At home, however, individuals naturally consider the entire system, ensuring that parts come together smoothly for optimal results. The podcast highlights the need to shift focus towards a holistic view of systems in organizational settings as well.
Deming's influence on Japan and Toyota
The podcast briefly mentions Deming's influence on Japan and specifically Toyota. While Deming's impact on Japanese companies like Toyota is well-known and celebrated, the podcast mentions that some debates and controversies exist regarding the extent of Deming's influence. Despite this, there are accounts from individuals who directly experienced Deming's teachings and acknowledge his contributions to their understanding of data analysis, quality management, and system thinking. The podcast also hints at the possibility of finding more evidence of Deming's influence within Toyota through studying the Deming papers.
In this second part of a two-part series, I speak with Bill Bellows about W. Edwards Deming's influence on Japanese manufacturing, specifically Toyota. We discuss Deming's relationship with Genichi Taguchi and how their quality philosophies intersect and complement each other. We explore Deming and Taguchi's differing notions of quality - meeting specifications versus minimizing loss to society. Bill's LinkedIn can be found here: