Ask a quality engineer how they were introduced to metrology or inspection, and they’ll often answer that it wasn’t during their coursework, but in the field. It reflects the manufacturing world’s problem with visibility and messaging, and an important insight into why the term “skills gap” has been a buzzword for several years.

The Center will officially launch Dec. 7-8 at a conference entitled “ISO 10018: Enterprise Engagement in Action,” held at the University of Texas Medical Branch administrative building in Galveston, TX. For more information, visit TheICEE.org. There is a 50% discount for Quality Magazine readers who register using the promo code Quality.

Albert Einstein is widely credited as having defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” 

“Remaining competitive” takes on many meanings, depending on your location in the world, but here are some thoughts on how American manufacturers can do it better today. By the time you finish reading this column, another entrepreneur will have figured out a way to make it happen for his or her company.  

Cost of quality is often misunderstood, improperly measured, and underutilized.

In automotive manufacturing, reducing quality costs can be like trying to bail out a leaking boat. You can empty bucket after bucket over the side, but you can’t get above water until you plug the leaks themselves.

Disruption seems to be a very popular term in the media recently. Traditionally, something described as disruptive has a negative connotation. However, this new definition can be viewed as positive, depending on whether you believe in the status quo or not.

It is October, the first full month of autumn. You notice the changing colors, dropping temperatures, and other signs of winter. October is a time of pretty yards and dreary skies. 

It did not happen quickly but advocates of Six Sigma and lean methodologies have worked together to achieve a partnership of both approaches.

The quality environment has evolved to require the use of a risk based approach throughout the quality management system.