Quality Transformation, 1990 Polymers, Laminations & Coatings Conference Proceedings

The implementation of the management principles based upon the philosophy of Dr. W. Edwards Deming has broad application to the printing industry. The focus is upon quality through continuous process improvement. In general, quality is achieved through managers increasing the quality and productivity of the systems of people, machinery, materials, environment, and work methods that they manage. This focus upon quality reduces waste, which leads to increased productivity. Thus, companies applying the new management philosophy transform from high cost/low quality into low cost/high quality producers.

There are three prerequisites to achieving transformation. First, companies must create a cultural change within their organization. Cultural change is accomplished through building a problem solving network of all employees. Second, companies must implement total quality control. And third, companies must establish and nurture customer/supplier relationships both internally and externally.

The benefits of transformation are improved quality, increased productivity, decreased waste and spoilage, improved profitability and increased market share. These benefits result from the Deming chain reaction of quality improvement.

In conclusion, companies should pursue quality transformation in order to reap the benefits of transformation.