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Inspection with the aim of finding the bad ones and…

“Inspection with the aim of finding the bad ones and throwing them out is too late, ineffective, and costly. Quality comes not from inspection but from improvement of the process.” quote by W. Edwards Deming
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“Inspection with the aim of finding the bad ones and throwing them out is too late, ineffective, and costly. Quality comes not from inspection but from improvement of the process.”

W. Edwards Deming

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Quality is achieved by improving processes, not by inspecting and discarding defects after they occur.

In simple terms: Improve processes, don’t just inspect.

Key Takeaway

Focus on process improvement.

Themes

quality process improvement management efficiency

Mood

determined analytical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • manufacturing
  • software development
  • healthcare
  • service industry

Key Concepts

continuous improvement systems thinking statistical control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you redesign your workflow to prevent errors?
  • What metrics reveal process weaknesses?
A Different Perspective

Inspection alone cannot fix systemic flaws.

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