Over the last four decades the demand for quality in manufacturing has dramatically increased. No longer do consumers accept minute scratches on a new car, computer, furniture or bicycle. For manufacturers, the challenge has been to meet consumers’ rising standards in the most cost-effective, reliable manner.
It wasn’t always this way. Until the 1970s, the typical final inspection of a product was conducted at the end of a production line where it was given a “once over” visual check. If defects were found a decision was made either to rework the product or simply ship it as is. In order to avoid costly waste or rework time a good number of inferior products entered the marketplace. However, consumers at the time were more forgiving, having learned early on to accept that nothing is perfect in this world.