ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN

TQM
Introduction

 Information technology define as Computer technology (either

hardware or software) for processing and storing information, as well
as communication technology for transmitting information.
 Effective application of technology is becoming critical to the
success of an organization. Virtually all business and governmental
organizations use some form of technology-based information
system to support their decision-making processes
 Information technology is a tool like the other tools.
 Helps the TQM organization to achieve its goals.
Levels of information technology

 Data: alphanumeric and can be moved about without regard to

meaning.

 Information: data that are relevant to the decision-making process

that have been converted into useable format.(difference between
data and information is lies in the needs of the individuals)

 Knowledge: knowledge is power applies in decision making-

particularly in a competitive situation.
Value of information

 Determined by the needs of the people and help them to meet

their needs.
 Information also has a cost
 Because it must be collected, stored, processed, continually
updated, and presented in useable format.
 This fact requires managers to weigh the value of information
against its cost when deciding what information they need to make
decision.
Information overload

Problems caused by information overload:

 Confusion
 Frustration
 Too much attention given to unimportant matters
 Too little attention given to important details
 Unnecessary, unproductive delays
Computers and the quality function
 Essential role in the quality function
 Perform operations at fast speed with an exceptional high degree of
accuracy.
 Perform complex calculations to control a process or test, to analyze
data, to write reports, and to recall information on command.
 The quality function needs served by the computer are:
1. Data collection
2. Data analysis and the reporting
3. Statistical analysis
4. Process control
5. Test and inspection
6. System design
Data collection

 the collection, utilization and dissemination of the quality control

information is the best accomplished when the information is
incorporated into an information technology system.
 IT maintains relationships with other activities, such as inventory
control, purchasing, design, marketing, accounting, and production
control.
 Computers are well suited for the collection of data.
 Key benefits are faster data transmission, fewer error, and lower
collection cost.
Data analysis, Reduction , and
reporting
 Some quality information is stored in computer for retrieval at future
time, most of the information is analyzed, reduced to a meaningful
amount, and disseminated in the form of a report

Statistical analysis
 Important use of the computer in quality control is for statistical
analysis
 Some major software programs such as: EXCEL and ANOVA
 Benefits: timeliness calculations, accurate analysis
Process control

The benefit that are obtained from automatic process control are:

 Constant product quality, due to reduction in process variance.

 More uniform startup and shutdown, since the process can be
monitored and controlled during these critical period.
 Increased productivity, because fewer people are needed to
monitor the control
 Safer operation for personnel and equipment, emergency
shutdown
Test and inspection

 Automated test system can be programmed to perform a complete

quality audit of a product.
 Benefits: improved test quality, lower operating cost, better report
preparation, improved accuracy, automated calibration and
malfunction diagnosis.

System design
 Software application adapted to the quality function are becoming
more sophisticated and comprehensive.
 There are numerous packages that combine many of the quality
function.
Overall IT supports TQM in:
 improving costumer and supplier relationship;
 increasing process control;
 facilitating teamwork;
 facilitating inter-departmental information flow;
 improving design process and skills;
 applying preventive maintenance;
 measuring quality costs;
 and improving the decision process in quality departments
Thanks