Quality Failure: Why Did It Happen?

As a Lean Six Sigma professional, we are fascinated with the question of “why” when we see failure in business practices. It is in our DNA to ask that question and drill down, to expose the facts. When you look at two recent business failures, our heads are filled with the question “why.” The failure of Takata and Samsung have been the best examples of business failure that you should understand and examine.

Quality Failure of Epic Proportion

The quality failure of Takata and Samsung have shaken their industries to the core. What is puzzling for Lean Six Sigma practitioners is the fact that both industries touted themselves as being fully immersed in the practice of Lean Six Sigma. Even more disturbing is the relationship of Takata with Toyota, who is often seen as the “gold standard” of quality improvement. Without the advantage of having intimate details of both organizations, one can only speculate on the causes of their epic failures. Those details will probably never be available outside of the highest levels of those organizations. However, a reasonable Lean Six Sigma professional can only speculate as to why these failures occurred. That speculation reasonably states that the failures can be linked directly to failures in the quality processes. Their commitment to the practices and philosophies of Lean Six Sigma practices slipped on a major scale.

Understanding the Important

As Lean Six Sigma professionals, you must take a look at at these two failures with the best detailed scrutiny available. The analysis will undoubtedly show that there were breaches in their systems and process. Their integrity and commitment to quality improvement practices were compromised to a point that there was no possibility of return. Their behavior not only damages their brand, but has shaken the confidence of their customers, which will not be short-lived. It will be a long hard climb for Takata and Samsung back to a point of respect in their industries.