Quality Quote: Without Data, You're Just an Opinion

Today’s quality quote is from William Edwards Deming: “Without data, you are just another person with an opinion.”

This statement is so true. Quantitative data is key to measuring performance against established quality objectives and determining the effectiveness of an organisation’s ISO 9001 quality management system.

But the reverse is also true, as set out in this article: “Without an opinion, you’re just another person with data.”

With the abundance of data in some sectors (big data, for example), without a system for interpreting it, undertaking statistical analysis to identify trends and drawing conclusions, you cannot form an opinion and all you have is the data. The point: you need both data and opinion.

Related ISO services

Streamline designs, audits and mentors practical ISO management systems built to certify first time, from ISO 9001 quality to ISO 27001 information security and ISO 42001 AI management. Explore our ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 27001 information security services, or contact us.

More quality quotes

Two consultants reviewing a process diagram on screen in an office

“Give Your People Better Processes and Get Better Performance From Your People”

Violinists playing together in an orchestra

TEAM Together Everyone Achieves More

Looking upward through a series of white concentric arches

“If you keep cutting corners, eventually you will end up going in circles.” Author...

Quality quote by Buckminster Fuller on changing reality

You never change things by fighting the existing reality. Buckminster Fuller

A blue steel water tower against a clear sky

“You can’t change the wind but you can adjust the sails”

A copy of Aristotle’s Metaphysics on a bookshop shelf

by Aristotle, Greek Philospoher

Looking for something more substantial? Browse our ISO articles.

General guidance only. This article is general information, not legal, financial, safety or compliance advice, and it does not take account of your specific circumstances. Streamline ISO Consultants are ISO management-system consultants, not lawyers or licensed advisers. Standards, laws and regulator guidance change, and details were correct only at the time of writing. Always seek professional advice before acting. See our full Disclaimer.