The importance of acknowledging the evolution and development of quality tools is important to be considered in this study. This paper critically appraises the essence of quality tools utilized since the 1920s. The use of quality tools began in the early twentieth century. Ngambi and Nkemkiafu (2015) and Power (2013) posit that, quality management utilised mass inspection in the 1920s, statistical sampling in the 1940s, statistical process control in the 1960s and then progressed to improved designs in the 1980s and integrated design and manufacturing in the early 21^st century. With the progress, total quality management came into place and it showed collaboration and appreciation for organizational stakeholders such as suppliers, employees, management and the customers.  Using the theoretical approach of inquiry, the evolution of quality tools is assessed through the essence of Total Quality Management philosophies.  

Key words: Quality tools, quality management, design and manufacturing, customers, evolution