Serving as the Chair of the ASQ Inspection Division has been a remarkable journey of leadership, collaboration, and growth. It has been both a privilege and a responsibility to guide the division through strategic initiatives aimed at empowering our members and elevating the quality profession.

The ongoing challenge for many companies is how to upgrade or integrate internal audit knowledge/competence and maybe cross train auditors for all the auditing schemes that your company is currently registered to or may be planning on expanding.

One of the major challenges in the manufacturing industry is the skills gap and the need to attract more individuals, especially young people, to pursue careers in this field. Organizations like IMTS and ASQ emphasize the importance of showcasing the opportunities that a career in manufacturing offers.

Digital connectivity is a driving feature of our lives. While invaluable in our personal lives, it also has the potential to transform manufacturing processes. In many cases, this has already taken root. But in one area – 3D measurement activities – it has so far not been used to the fullest.

Former Boeing engineer Jim Doxey explains a previous motto at the company, why people (and teamwork) are the most important part of a quality system, and offers advice for manufacturers looking to avoid quality woes. He also shares his thoughts on a 30+ career working in manufacturing.

Reed Switch Developments Corp. (RSD), a woman-owned manufacturer in Racine, WI, specializes in magnetic reed switches and sensors. Recognized as last year’s Quality Plant of the Year, RSD has achieved a 25% increase in sales year-to-date, leveraging in-house technical expertise and automation to manage growth amid rising costs and economic uncertainty.

Women are increasingly sought in manufacturing, a field now prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. Employers recognize that diverse perspectives boost creativity and morale, and they are actively showcasing opportunities for success in this dynamic industry.

Recent quality issues with Boeing aircraft reveal critical flaws in ISO certification processes, despite adherence to standards like AS 9100. Strengthening these certifications is essential for maintaining credibility and ensuring that they truly reflect an organization’s commitment to quality and safety in aerospace products.

Many continuous improvement (CI) champions encounter resistance to adopting the necessary mindset, often perceiving individuals as closed-minded or too comfortable. Unlearning long-held beliefs can be stressful, especially for those whose careers depend on them, and psychologists note this process can often be harder than learning new skills—particularly for the most successful individuals.

Are you throwing away a significant portion of your budget without realizing it? How often do engineers, scientists, and analysts regenerate knowledge work—solving problems or similar problems that have already been solved?