As you examine your future in quality, keep these items in mind.
The quality profession has existed for nearly three-quarters of a century. In 1946, quality professionals rallied together to create the American Society for Quality Control. Throughout the association’s 72 years, the profession has evolved as roles and responsibilities have changed and expanded. Quality professionals work on organizational excellence projects, the supply chain, innovation, and many other areas. With the expanded role, the quality professional has needed—and will continue to need—to refresh not only the traditional skills but fill the toolbox with new skills.
Company executives have come to realize quality is everyone’s job. ASQ research has been pointing this out since the beginning of this century, through the Future of Quality, Global State of Quality and Culture of Quality reports. How quality is everyone’s job can be different in each organization, depending on culture and other factors. But, to many companies, it’s much more than simply wearing another hat on the job.