Deming to Devops: The Science Behind Devops
Ten years ago, I delivered an Ignite presentation titled "Deming to DevOps: The Science Behind DevOps," where I explored the historical events, philosophies, and influential figures that bridge Deming's work to the modern DevOps movement. On October 24th, I'll revisit this topic in a new presentation, examining how that history has evolved since my original talk. In this edition, I want to summarize my original presentation to set the stage for the upcoming discussion and highlight the connections between Deming's legacy and the continued growth of DevOps.
Deming to DevOps: The Science Behind DevOps
In software development and operational efficiencies, the intertwining of historical figures, their philosophies, and the evolution of methodologies is as fascinating as it is impactful. The story I'm about to share weaves through the theories of non-determinism, the influence of Darwin and Boltzmann on statistical mechanics, the consequential discoveries in quantum physics by Max Planck and Albert Einstein, and how these monumental strides in physical sciences paralleled and propelled advances in quality control and production methodologies, leading us right to the doorstep of DevOps and contemporary software engineering practices.
The narrative starts with Ludwig Boltzmann, who, inspired by Charles Darwin's work, applied statistical probabilities to physics, laying the groundwork for what would become quantum mechanics. This exploration into the microscopic realm influenced Walter Shewhart, who began using statistical methods to control the quality of telephone manufacturing at Western Electric. Edward Deming, a student of Shewhart, expanded on these concepts, emphasizing variation and statistical process control. His teachings, deeply rooted in these principles, were later adopted by Japan in the post-war era, heralding the rise of the Lean manufacturing system and the global recognition of the Toyota Production System.
Deming's journey from the realms of theoretical physics to practical applications in manufacturing and beyond encapsulates a remarkable tale of cross-disciplinary influence. His principles found fertile ground in post-war Japan, where companies like Toyota adopted his methods, significantly improving quality and efficiency. These methodologies, underpinned by Deming's statistical control principles, laid the groundwork for Lean manufacturing—a philosophy that has since permeated various sectors beyond automotive, including software development.
The transformation from manufacturing principles to software development paradigms was indirect. However, the seminal meeting of technology professionals in Utah in 2001, which led to the creation of the Agile Manifesto, marked a pivotal moment. Agile software development, emphasizing iterative progress, continuous feedback, and adaptability, shares DNA with Lean Manufacturing and Deming's quality control and continuous improvement principles.
Moreover, the journey from Agile to DevOps is a testament to the evolutionary nature of these methodologies. DevOps is an approach that emphasizes collaboration, automation, continuous delivery, and rapid feedback loops. It can be seen as the progeny of Agile, which is enriched by Lean principles.
This narrative is not just about the development of software or the evolution of industrial manufacturing. It's about the interconnectedness of ideas, the migration of concepts across different realms of human endeavor, and the universal quest for improvement and efficiency. Deming's legacy, reflected in the principles of DevOps, demonstrates the profound impact of thought leadership transcending its original domain to foster innovation and excellence in entirely new fields.
As we navigate the complexities of modern software development and operational excellence, we must acknowledge and appreciate the historical underpinnings and the intellectual giants upon whose shoulders today's practices stand. From Deming to DevOps, it's a journey of unceasing inquiry, adaptation, and advancement—a narrative that continues to unfold and inspire.
You can watch the original Ignite Talk here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcRWQIL5qus
Deming Updates:
Speaking of Deming to DevOps, I will also give my updated “Deming to DevOps” talk at IDPCon in New York on October 24th.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7232046387113181188/
The Intelligent Management Blog releases frequently useful articles on the Theory of Constraints and Deming. This most recent article summarizes Moving the Chains and From Silo to Network to guide businesses on optimizing their structure for the digital age. Moving the Chains From Silo to Network.
https://intelligentmanagement.ws/optimize-your-company-for-digital-age/
Teri Mahaney, PhD, writes about how Deming's approach emphasizes tailoring solutions to the root cause of problems to improve efficiency and reduce waste while applying it to a situation where almost everyone has dealt with a bus arriving late.
I joined Katie Anderson, author of "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn,” to share stories about Deming and how his principles connect to solving today's complex problems.
https://kbjanderson.com/24-deming-journey-profound-knowledge-john-willis/
You still have time to register for DevOpsDays Belgium on September 3rd. DevOpsDays Belgium describes what the event entails and details to register in the post below.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7232023660822171649/
