Reduce the Number of Vendors
Requiring statistical evidence of quality control in the purchase of hardware and software will mean, in most companies, drastic reduction in the number of vendors with whom they deal. Companies will have to consider the cost of having two or more vendors for the same item. A company will be lucky to find one vendor that can supply statistical evidence of quality. A second vendor, if they cannot furnish statistical evidence of their quality, will have higher costs than the one that can furnish the evidence, or they will have to chisel on their quality, or go out of business. A person that does not know his/her costs or whether today's distribution of quality can be repeated tomorrow is not a good business partner.
Use Statistical Methods to Find Sources of Trouble
Which are user faults? Which faults belong to IT? Put responsibility where it belongs. Do not rely on judgment because it always gives the wrong answer on the question of where the fault lies. Statistical methods make use of knowledge of the subject matter where it can be effective, but supplant it where it is a hazard.
Constantly improve the system. This obligation never ceases. Most people in management do not understand that the system (their responsibility) is everything not under the governance of a user.
Institute Modern Aids to Training on the Job
Training must be totally reconstructed. Statistical methods must be used to learn when training is finished, and when further training would be beneficial. A person once hired and trained and in statistical control of his/her own work, whether it be satisfactory or not, can do no better. Further training cannot help. If their work is not satisfactory, move them to another job, and provide better training there.
