ABSTRACT
Dr. Deming says that a supplier worthy of being your business partner is capable of supplying materials that consistently meet specifications. And, the supplier can prove it by providing the statistical process control data (just like yours) for each batch. In addition, your supplier will give you the very best price possible to ensure that you are competitive and will be able to stay in business. The supplier does not do this to be altruistic but because it is how the supplier plans to stay in business. In return, the supplier will not have to worry about you continuing to look for a cheaper supplier. The supplier will not have to wine you and dine you and hope that it will have your business next year or next month. You trust each other because you are partners who are in it for the long haul. If this all sounds like a fairy tale, I can assure you it is not. This is how the Japanese (who were trained by Dr. Deming) operate and is one of the reasons they have been able to maintain their high quality levels year after year. I have seen it work firsthand.
