President John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” This was his challenge to every American citizen to contribute in some way to the public good.

Today’s world has never been more dynamic, and it’s constantly changing at an accelerated rate by adopting more advanced technologies. Industry 4.0 refers to these accelerated changes to the way we live, work, and communicate.

The COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 and most of 2020 was unprecedented, and like all organizations ASQ was forced to take necessary precautions and make difficult decisions. Sadly this included the cancellation of the World Conference on Quality Improvement (WCQI), which had been scheduled for May 4-6 in Columbus, Ohio

This year has been an adventure into the unknown. By the end of March, many of us were enclosed in makeshift offices at home, while others were looking at production lines that were only partially staffed. 

As should be apparent to anyone during the spring of 2020, life changes quickly. In fact, it seems that life is an endless series of adjustments and revisions. Change happens constantly in your business and it’s important to keep up. This may mean reacting to economic trends, but also to production changes.

The ASQ Inspection Division will honor United States Air Force (USAF) Master Sergeant David A. Valdez as the 2020 Chuck Carter International Inspector of the Year. Valdez will be acknowledged at an award cermony to be held later this year.

The warmth of spring brings flower and green lawns, and it also brings awards and recognition to the quality profession. Recognition abounds; both Quality Magazine and ASQ have dedicated significant time and resources promoting, validating and now honoring individuals who have made a significant impact to the quality community.

When ISO has a quality management standard revision to release, there is much anticipation—and perhaps a bit of apprehension—among users as to the significance of the changes.

The importance of auditing should not be overlooked. As longtime Quality columnist Jim Smith writes, “It’s rare that managers, or even most quality auditors, discuss how closely tied the findings of manufacturing audits are to the long-term ability of their companies to compete in this highly competitive market.”

Decisions are required all the time, both small and large. How to run a business? What to do about customer complaints? What should you have for lunch?