ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book introduces some of the basic statistical methodologies used in quality control. It illustrates statistical quality control concepts, focusing on the statistical applications that help to assure quality. A key part of any quality assurance program is maintaining close relations with the organization's suppliers. "Suppliers are responsible for the quality of their items –hardware, software, or service. This obligation is always morally binding, usually legally binding, and if contracts are written properly, contractually binding". Quality assurance and quality control include witnessing, monitoring, appraising, and documenting vendor quality systems. Total Quality Management is a management system that requires cultural change for most organizations. It means putting quality in front of short-term profits and cost reduction. Quality –meeting and exceeding customer requirements –must take the dominant role in every function in the company.
