The recent Covid-19 pandemic reminded me of an opportunity working with a federal government agency where I was asked to train high level scientific professionals on the concepts of Cost of Quality.

In a recent gathering of quality professionals, the subject of unsuccessful change implementation surfaced. Most people understand change is necessary for survival, but in this era it is happening at an unprecedented, almost vertical rate. The bottom line though is that change is uncomfortable for most and it is common for people to resist change.

More important than the inventor, the first company to market, or even the technology itself, is adoption of the technology. Whether a technology is adopted early or late can make or break not only the technology, inventor, company, or entire industry, but also an entire economy.

Existing models and quality characteristics used for software, systems, and data quality can be leveraged to identify cost categories and support the creation of a Cost of Quality System for Quality 4.0.

If continuous improvement is your goal, mastering quality may seem like a daunting task. As with many big projects, it helps to break it down into smaller areas of focus.

Good leadership is necessary for any successful company, no matter what circumstances surround your business. But in times of crisis it becomes even more important. How your company weathers this crisis may have lasting effects for years to come. 

Consistent product quality is the most proven predictor of any manufacturer’s success. Competitors may imitate each other’s marketing, but superior quality stands alone as the truest statement of company’s values. That is why forward-thinking manufacturers are making quality cost management part of their DNA.

Tony Uphoff worked in Manhattan during 9/11. He ran a San Francisco Bay Area business during an earthquake in the 1990s. Despite these experiences, he says that the current pandemic is truly an unprecedented time.