The phase of ‘Statistical Quality Control’ was between 1940 and 1960. During World War II, the principles of sampling inspection plan was extremely useful. The American Society for Quality Control (ASQC) was formed in 1946. A set of sampling inspection plan for attributes, so-called MIL-STD-105A was developed in 1950. These plans underwent various modifications, viz. MIL-STD-105B, MIL­STD-105C, MIL—STD-105D, and MIL-STD-105E. In addition, during 1957, a set of sampling plans for variables called MIL-STD-414 was also proposed. Juran published his Quality Control Handbook in 1957.

Use of quality control procedures and benefits of statistical quality control was not explored in most of the U.S. industries. This may be due to monopoly market. However, Japan after World War II, embraced the new phi­losophy wholeheartedly. Edwards Deming was invited to Japan during 1950, and Japanese engineers were convinced about the importance of statistical quality control as a means to gaining competitive advantage in world economy. Another quality guru, J. M. Juran, visited Japan in 1954 and further impressed upon the strategic role that management plays to achieve end quality. Thus, they started to develop strong commitment to train and educate their employees on statistical process control.