It’s been said that for quality practices to make a real impact throughout an organization, the quality mindset must start at the top. 

The challenges facing business have always been daunting but they have increased exponentially in recent years.

Long-term prosperity in business is rare and decreasing. In the U.S., for example, research has shown that companies currently remain in the S&P 500 index for an average of just 18 years, down from 61 years in 1958. And it’s a similar story elsewhere in today’s dynamic, interconnected world.

The state of the quality profession remains strong, according to our 16th Annual State of the Profession Survey.

Just like everyone else, I am a consumer. Everyone on the planet, at some point, has purchased and used some product or device, it’s only natural.

Quality plays an important role in products and services for customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Inspection is a function of quality discipline. An inspection is, most generally, an organized examination or formal evaluation activity.

The question of where to focus to maximize effectiveness is a conundrum.

To view the schedule, see the live stream, or re-watch keynotes and other events from earlier in the week, visit hxgntv.com/live-stream/.

Clinkenbeard specializes in the rapid production of complex metal castings and machined parts.

To find out more, Quality spoke with John Nesi, Vice President of Market Development at Rockwell Automation, and Bryce Barnes, Senior Manager of Cisco Systems’ Machine and Robot Segment globally under Cisco’s Internet of Things Manufacturing Solutions Group.