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

Today’s quality quote is commonly attributed to William Edwards Deming, although it does not appear in his books and its origin is unconfirmed: “Without data, you are just another person with an opinion.”

Related guide: Nonconformance and corrective action, on turning data into decisions.

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

A still turquoise alpine lake below forested mountains

The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection

Violinists playing together in an orchestra

TEAM Together Everyone Achieves More

Attributed to Henry Ford

The art of persuasion is greater than the strength of force.

Black and white portrait of Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Discovery consists of seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody has thought

Tilt-shift miniature of a factory floor where workers move between stations, with guard rails, clear markings and a supervisor adjusting a workstation layout

“We can change the conditions under which humans work” (James Reason)

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.