Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site nicmad.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!luscher From: luscher@nicmad.UUCP Newsgroups: net.jokes Subject: Demming, statistical problem solution Message-ID: <306@nicmad.UUCP> Date: Sun, 11-Aug-85 22:16:48 EDT Article-I.D.: nicmad.306 Posted: Sun Aug 11 22:16:48 1985 Date-Received: Tue, 13-Aug-85 03:51:36 EDT References: <358@tektools.UUCP> Organization: Nicolet Instrument Corp. Madison WI Lines: 37 > > Person A hires person B to perform some services. > (I think that person A had a problem with something that was broken.) > Person B comes around and fixes the problem in a couple of minutes. > Person A receives a bill for $1000 and is outraged at the amount. He fires > off an angry letter to person B and demands an explanation for the large bill. > He receives the following explanation: > > "For services: > > $1.00 for time spent on the job. > $999.00 for knowing which button to push. > --------- > $1000.00 Total Due" > I heard a story about Demming, guru of quality-through-statistics that is similar in nature to the above: A shoe manufacturer was having problems in his factory. His employees sewing soles on shoes kept breaking the thread which would result in downtime as they re-threaded their machine. The manufacturer tried adjusting the machines several times, he tried training programs, etc. Everything he tried helped for a while but then things went to hell again and it was costing him a bundle. Finally he hired Demming as a consultant and after a plant tour, during which all the steps previously taken were expalined and Demming was shown the entire production process the manufacturer asked for an solution. Demming asked to talk to the purchasing agent and asked the man how he chose which thread to buy. The reply was "get the cheapest I can find to save money". Demming's solution was to buy stronger thread. When asked "yes but is that a statistical solution?", Demming is said to have replied "yes, I'm a statistician and I solved it." -- Jim Luscher / Nicolet Instruments / Oscilloscope Div. 5225 Verona Rd Bldg-2 / Madison Wi 53711 USA / 608/271-3333x2274