Face of Quality: Transforming the Quality Profession
Even without a crystal ball, one can see changes ahead
Recently I had a conversation with a senior quality engineer at a large manufacturing operation about the future of the quality profession. There is no definite answer because no one has a crystal ball but a transformation has been underway. There have been several studies published and many articles, including some by this author, written on this issue.
Many quality professionals have been engaged the last few years to help with Six Sigma and lean initiatives. Historically, we know that programs evolve after a few years so we continually find ourselves engaged in conversations asking, “What happens after Six Sigma and lean?” Even though lean manufacturing drives companies to many good things, lean, by itself, can’t correct all the problems facing the business world. At least in the near future, the U.S. cannot be lean enough to offset the low-cost labor markets in the Middle East, Africa and other parts of the world.