2026 May

Check out the May 2026 edition of Quality! Read our cover story on The 2026 Quality Magazine Rookie of the Year. Also in this issue: features on Understanding Dimensional Metrology, The Strategic Importance of Data Collection in Modern Metrology, and much more!

Management

Meet the 2026 Rookie of the Year: Sainyam Arora

Our 2026 Quality Rookie of the Year is a rising star in the field. With his interest in AI, continuous improvement, and sustainability, Sainyam Arora has made the quality industry better.

Michelle Bangert

April 6, 2026

If you didn’t know any better, you might think Sainyam Arora has been in the quality field for decades.

Test & Inspection

Designing Inspection Systems for Challenging Surfaces

Even the most sophisticated systems can struggle when confronted with challenging inspection surfaces.

Daniel Olache

April 5, 2026

Modern manufacturing increasingly relies on full in-line inspections to maintain quality standards, reduce scrap, and improve traceability.

The image depicts a worker operating a punching or stamping machine within a heavy metal industry factory.

Management

Manufacturing Reality: Stuck in the Middle

Here are three realities mid-sized manufacturers need to accept in order to shift their businesses from surviving to thriving.

Randy Carr

April 14, 2026

Mid-sized manufacturers are increasingly being squeezed on one side by large companies with the budgets and expertise needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment, and on the other by smaller, more entrepreneurial producers who are better able to adapt, specialize, and grow to meet the continually evolving needs of customers.

The image depicts a concept of industrial digitalization or a "digital twin" in a manufacturing environment

Software

Closing the Loop: Where Metrology Meets Machining Strategy

The first steps toward a data-driven manufacturing floor are simpler than many manufacturers think.

Tait Stensrud

April 7, 2026

Up until the early 2000s, metrology was mostly a pen-and-paper-based profession. Inspection reports, machine data, and charts were all hand-recorded, often scattered across departments. Data existed, but analyzing trends over time was slow, error-prone, and sometimes just impossible, making it fully disconnected from decision-making.

The image shows a tablet running Mahr MarCom Professional software

Data Collection

The Strategic Importance of Data Collection in Modern Metrology

As tolerances tighten, production speeds increase, and supply chains grow more complex, manufacturers recognize that measurement data is a critical operational asset.

Farzad Azimi

April 2, 2026

Manufacturing has entered a new phase in which measurement alone is no longer sufficient.

This item is a portable measuring arm, specifically a Hexagon Absolute Arm.

Measurement

Understanding Dimensional Metrology: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Getting familiar with CMMs, laser trackers, portable arms, and laser scanners

Gary C. Confalone

April 3, 2026

Every manufactured product, from a smartphone component to a commercial aircraft, relies on precise dimensional accuracy. Even small deviations from the intended design can lead to assembly problems, performance issues, or product failure.

This image depicts a manufacturing engineer or worker using a tablet to update records within a factory setting.

Column

A Practical Guide for Women Building Careers in Manufacturing

The playing field may not always be perfectly level, but it is navigable.

Kallee Grube

April 11, 2026

Manufacturing has changed meaningfully over the past two decades. Once rare, women in technical, operational, and leadership roles are now increasingly visible across the industry.

This image shows a person working with technical drawings and industrial machinery in a manufacturing setting.

Quality Edge Column

Third Revision of ISO 2859-1

These rules also allow for the discontinuation of sampling inspection if quality deterioration is detected.

John Vandenbemden

April 10, 2026

The final draft of ISO 2859-1 was approved in December 2025.

This image shows a metal sheet being processed using CNC plasma cutting technology.

Face of Quality

Expanding Lean Waste: The Case for Material Underutilization

Should a ninth waste categorization be added?

Jim L. Smith

April 12, 2026

Before I get into the focus of this column, I’d venture to guess that many quality professionals reading this column’s title did an about take thinking this guy has lost his mind. To discover the real intent, read on…

This image shows a senior businessman in a suit shaking hands with a factory worker in a manufacturing plant.

Speaking of Quality

Leadership Principles That Drive Quality and Team Success

Work hard and demonstrate commitment. People notice the effort you put forth, and it motivates others.

Jim Spichiger

April 9, 2026

I have had numerous bosses over my 40+ year career. A few were great, most were good, and several were terrible. Coinciding with my career has been the opportunity to serve as a member leader (aka volunteer) for ASQ, something I have done continuously since 1992.

a conceptual illustration representing balance, leadership, and decision-making in a business or social context.

From the Editor

You Can’t Fall Off the Middle

The edges often do not provide safety, stability, or an opportunity for perspective.

Darryl Seland

April 29, 2026

I recently heard the phrase, "You can't fall off the middle." For me, it almost immediately fit into my advocacy for balance.

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Quality Magazine

Cover Story