ZeroDefect

zerodefect is a quality-management concept that aims to eliminate defects in products and processes. It is commonly associated with the Zero Defects movement and the work of quality pioneer Philip B. Crosby in the 1960s, though the idea predates him in various forms. The term is often used as "zero defects" in practice, and occasionally stylized as "zerodefect" in branding or shorthand.

Core principles include prevention over inspection, conformance to requirements, and the belief that quality is built into processes rather than tested in at the end. Organizations implement standardized work, training, clear specifications, process discipline, and error-prevention mechanisms such as poka-yoke. Measurements focus on defect rates and capability indicators (for example, defects per million opportunities, DPMO, and Cp/Cpk) to guide improvement.

Applications and evolution: The concept originated in manufacturing quality management but has influenced software engineering, service operations, and healthcare quality programs. In software, zero-defect aims have driven approaches like formal methods, exhaustive testing, and early defect prevention, although absolute zero is rarely achieved.

Criticisms and limitations: Critics argue that zero-defect targets can be aspirational or impractical for complex systems and may lead to unintended incentives. In some contexts, focusing solely on defect counts can overlook other quality dimensions such as reliability, user experience, or maintainability.

See also:

- Zero Defects movement

- Total Quality Management

- Poka-yoke

- Six Sigma

- Quality cost