The Practical Side of Quality

Abstract

My practical definition of quality is getting it right the first time, on time. The downsides of poor quality work need no explanation. Unfortunately, though, the consequences of being late to market can doom any potential market advantage. The only sure win comes when the product is both high quality and on time. To help assure on-time delivery of working ICs, I advocate "two-handed management". This means with one hand, do the job as best you can using the tools and techniques available, but with the other hand, take steps to see similar jobs are done better and faster the next time. An example of two-handed management in the distant past was the development of various simulation techniques. The two-handed manager of the future will look for silicon with advanced capabilities in the areas of "observability," "tweakability" and incremental specification techniques as well as inherent improvements in speed, power and cost.