If ever there was a time for risk-based thinking, it would be now. During this strange season, the entire world seems to be shutting down as the pandemic disrupts lives and businesses.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, manufacturers continue to face new challenges. It’s the topic on everyone’s mind. How will COVID-19 affect us?

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.

With so much focus on customers, companies can lose sight of their most valued asset—their people—and the critical roles they play in the success of their organizations.  Organizations are the employees, and customer service and quality are dependent on these skilled, motivated people.

The problem would go away only to return every few months. The manufacturing mystery continued for about seven months, with each failure costing $26 in raw material alone.

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.”

In these strange times, every industry around the globe has been affected by the coronavirus. And manufacturing is no different.