Commentary: Is There Really a Communications Gap Between Statisticians and Engineers?

Oh, come now! Is there really a communications gap between statisticians and engineers and physical scientists in America today? My own experience over 25 years of professional service convinces me beyond a doubt that a significant gap exists. The communication problem most likely crosses all types and layers of American industry. It is a problem that must be faced and dealt with for American industry to meet the challenge of foreign competition over the next decade. We are all very familiar with the perception that Japanese automobiles and electronics are superior to our domestic products in quality and reliability. That perception did not just happen. My experience with engineers in other countries (including Japan) leads me to believe that we are behind our competition in statistical training and application of basic statistical methods. Catching up may be out of the question if we do not have some fundamental changes in our way of thinking.