Quality Management has shown that it has come a long way since its inception. What started as a focus on product quality has evolved into a more comprehensive approach to quality management that involves the products’ quality and the processes and systems used to produce them. In this article, we will explore some of the current trends in the quality field.
Quality Management Trends 1: Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a comprehensive approach to quality management that focuses on continuous improvement in all areas of an organisation. TQM involves a customer-centric approach to quality management to meet or exceed customer expectations. It also focuses on process improvement, employee involvement, and data-driven decision-making.
TQM is not a new concept, but it continues to be a trend in the quality field due to its proven effectiveness in improving quality and driving business success. TQM has been adopted by many leading organisations worldwide, and it is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field for years to come.
Quality Management Trends 2: Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a data-driven quality management approach that reduces defects and process variability. Six Sigma involves a structured approach to problem-solving and process improvement to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Six Sigma has gained widespread acceptance in the quality field due to its proven effectiveness in reducing defects and improving quality. Many leading organisations have adopted Six Sigma as their primary quality management approach, which is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field.
Quality Management Trends 3: Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is a production philosophy that focuses on reducing waste and increasing efficiency in the production process. Lean manufacturing involves systematically identifying and eliminating waste to create a more efficient and effective production process.
Lean manufacturing has gained widespread acceptance in the quality field due to its proven effectiveness in reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Many leading organisations have adopted lean manufacturing principles, which is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field.
Quality Management Trends 4: ISO Standards
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards are international standards that provide guidelines for quality management, environmental management, and other areas of business management. ISO standards are designed to promote best practices and continuous improvement in organisations.
ISO standards are widely recognised in the quality field, and many leading organisations have adopted them as their primary quality management approach. The adoption of ISO standards is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field as organisations seek to improve their quality management practices and gain a competitive edge.
Quality Management Trends 5: Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is a term used to describe the fourth industrial revolution, characterised by the integrating of digital technologies into the manufacturing process. Industry 4.0 uses technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics to create a more efficient and effective manufacturing process.
Industry 4.0 has gained widespread acceptance in quality as organisations seek to improve their manufacturing processes and gain a competitive edge. Integrating digital technologies into the manufacturing process is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field as organisations seek to improve their quality management practices and drive business success.
Quality Management Trends 6: Risk Management
Risk management is a process that involves identifying, assessing, and managing risks in an organisation. Risk management is an important trend in quality, as organisations seek to mitigate the risks associated with poor quality and ensure business success.
Risk management involves systematically identifying and assessing risks to develop strategies to manage or mitigate them. Many leading organisations have adopted risk management as a critical component of their quality management approach, and it is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field.
Quality Management Trends 7: Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is a trend in the quality field involving incremental improvements to processes and systems over time. The constant improvement consists of identifying areas for improvement, making changes, measuring the results, and making further adjustments as needed.
Continuous improvement is an important trend in the quality field, as it allows organisations to stay competitive and adapt to changing market conditions. Many leading organisations have adopted continuous improvement as a critical component of their quality management approach, and it is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field.
Quality Management Trends 8: Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is a trend in the quality field involving employees in the quality management process. Employee engagement focuses on communication, collaboration, and empowerment to create a quality organisational culture.
Employee engagement is an important trend in the quality field, as it allows organisations to tap into the knowledge and expertise of their employees to drive continuous improvement and innovation. Many leading organisations have adopted employee engagement as a critical component of their quality management approach, and it is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field.
Quality Management Trends 9: Sustainability
Sustainability is a trend in the quality field that focuses on environmental and social responsibility. Sustainability consists of a commitment to minimising the environmental impact of the production process, as well as a commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices.
Sustainability is an important trend in the quality field, as it allows organisations to demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social responsibility while driving business success. Many leading organisations have adopted sustainability as a critical component of their quality management approach, and it is expected to continue to be a trend in the quality field.
Quality Management Trends Conclusion
The quality field has evolved significantly over the years, from focusing on product quality to a more comprehensive approach that includes the quality of processes and systems. Many trends have emerged in the quality field, including Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, ISO Standards, Industry 4.0, Risk Management, Continuous Improvement, Employee Engagement, and Sustainability.
These trends have proven effective in improving quality and driving business success. As organisations seek to stay competitive and adapt to changing market conditions, they will likely continue to adopt these trends and others that emerge in the quality field. The future of the quality field is bright, and it is an exciting time for those involved in quality management.
