The 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report reveals a significant rise in cybersecurity incidents, with nearly one-third of respondents experiencing six or more intrusions, up from 11% last year. This increase is notable in organizations with advanced maturity levels, with phishing and compromised business email being the most common intrusion types. … [Read more...] about 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report
NIST Launches ARIA, a New Program to Advance Sociotechnical Testing and Evaluation for AI
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced the Assessing Risks and Impacts of AI (ARIA) program to evaluate how artificial intelligence systems affect society when used regularly in real-world scenarios. This initiative will help quantify AI system performance within societal contexts, contributing to developing trustworthy AI systems.ARIA supports … [Read more...] about NIST Launches ARIA, a New Program to Advance Sociotechnical Testing and Evaluation for AI
Data Governance: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Data governance involves managing a company's data throughout its lifecycle through established principles and processes. It determines who can access data, under what circumstances, and using which methods. The primary goal is to ensure data is secure, high-quality, and aligned with business objectives.Key components include data quality, data privacy, data security, data … [Read more...] about Data Governance: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
How Scrap and Rework Affect Cost of Quality and OEE
Tracking quality metrics is crucial for continuous improvement, and understanding their interplay can help identify key leverage points for maximum impact. This article explores the relationship between scrap, rework, cost of quality, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). OEE is a composite metric that measures availability, performance, and quality, where each element is … [Read more...] about How Scrap and Rework Affect Cost of Quality and OEE
8 Books on Quality Management That Are Well Worth Reading
Investing in classic and recommended books on quality management is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of quality principles and best practices. Whether you prefer hard copies or electronic books, these resources can provide extensive knowledge on quality tools and methodologies, which can be applied in various organizational settings to enhance performance and … [Read more...] about 8 Books on Quality Management That Are Well Worth Reading
Six Sigma Process Mapping: A Step-by-Step Guide to Enhancing Productivity
Six Sigma is a meticulous, data-oriented methodology designed to enhance business processes by minimizing errors and achieving nearly flawless operations. Process Mapping, a vital element of the Lean Six Sigma approach, provides a visual representation of a process, detailing the necessary steps and components to complete a task within an organization. Acting as a blueprint, it … [Read more...] about Six Sigma Process Mapping: A Step-by-Step Guide to Enhancing Productivity
What does your QMS Awareness Training look like?
Quality Management Systems (QMS) Awareness Training is often perceived as a mere compliance activity designed to satisfy auditors and tick boxes. However, practical QMS training should lay the foundation for a quality-centric culture within an organization. Rather than overwhelming employees with detailed slides and dry lectures, training should be engaging, interactive, and … [Read more...] about What does your QMS Awareness Training look like?
Top 10 Best Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Tools in 2024
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools are vital for organizations aiming to effectively manage governance, risk management, and compliance processes. These tools offer a framework that helps align business strategies, processes, and IT systems with regulatory requirements and industry standards. The primary goal of GRC tools is to ensure adherence to relevant … [Read more...] about Top 10 Best Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Tools in 2024
How to Use a Pareto Chart for Quality Management
The Pareto Chart is a bar graph tool for prioritizing issues based on their frequency or impact. Invented by Vilfredo Pareto, it is combined with a line graph representing the cumulative total. The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. Dr. Joseph M. Juran popularized the Pareto chart in quality management, emphasizing … [Read more...] about How to Use a Pareto Chart for Quality Management
Optimizing Factory Scheduling for More Efficiency and Better Productivity
Efficient factory scheduling is essential for optimizing productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction in manufacturing operations. Production scheduling involves allocating plant and machinery resources, planning human resources, organizing production processes, and managing material procurement. This ensures that products are manufactured on time and … [Read more...] about Optimizing Factory Scheduling for More Efficiency and Better Productivity
Smart Manufacturing: Unlocking Growth with Data
The “Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Study” by Rockwell Automation emphasizes the transformative potential of smart manufacturing in the digital age. By surveying over 1,350 manufacturers across 13 countries, the report identifies key trends and priorities, highlighting the importance of data in unlocking growth and optimizing operations. Manufacturers are … [Read more...] about Smart Manufacturing: Unlocking Growth with Data
A New Quality: Handbook on Rethinking Quality Management
Quality management has evolved beyond product quality and manufacturing processes to encompass the entire lifecycle of a product or its "quality biography." Today's quality criteria include high product quality, environmental protection, and fair cooperation. This shift in focus requires companies to act credibly and responsibly, making quality management a top task. … [Read more...] about A New Quality: Handbook on Rethinking Quality Management
Working to regulate artificial intelligence
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has generated excitement and concern, particularly regarding the need for effective regulation. A BSI poll of 10,000 people across nine countries revealed that 62% desire global guidelines for AI development, reflecting a significant confidence gap in the technology. This concern spans various aspects, including the … [Read more...] about Working to regulate artificial intelligence
Working With an ISO 9001 Certified Logistics Company
Collaborating with an ISO 9001-certified logistics company ensures adherence to high-quality assurance standards, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. ISO 9001 certification emphasizes robust quality management systems, regular audits for compliance, and a commitment to process enhancement. This certification showcases a company's dedication to providing reliable … [Read more...] about Working With an ISO 9001 Certified Logistics Company
Five Steps To Establish Yourself In The Role Of Quality Manager (First 100 Days)
The first 100 days as a quality manager are pivotal in establishing a strong foundation for long-term success. During this period, new quality managers should focus on understanding the organization and its culture, building relationships with key stakeholders, and assessing the current state of the quality management system (QMS). This "honeymoon period" allows managers to … [Read more...] about Five Steps To Establish Yourself In The Role Of Quality Manager (First 100 Days)
Podcast: Approved Vendor/Supplier Lists in Quality Management Systems
Kyle Chambers from Texas Quality Assurance hosts the Quality Matters podcast, aiming to make quality management engaging and accessible for businesses of all sizes. In the episode, Kyle shares insights and best practices learned over the past decade, focusing on practical ways to build and implement quality management systems. Key topics include conducting gap assessments to … [Read more...] about Podcast: Approved Vendor/Supplier Lists in Quality Management Systems
Pursuing A Quality Management Career Without a Degree
The forum thread discusses various insights and advice on pursuing a quality management career without a degree. It highlights that quality managers are in demand and notes that degree programs in quality assurance management are relatively new and not always required. Instead, certifications based on workplace experience are available and cost around $700, including study … [Read more...] about Pursuing A Quality Management Career Without a Degree
Automated quality management (AQM): The complete guide
Automated quality management (AQM), or automated quality assurance, leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the monitoring of quality processes within an organization. Unlike manual quality assurance (QA), which involves human reviewers, AQM can review every customer support interaction, identify training gaps, and improve customer experiences more efficiently and … [Read more...] about Automated quality management (AQM): The complete guide
Book Excerpt: ISO 9001:2015 Internal Audits Made Easy
ISO 9001:2015 Internal audits are crucial for verifying compliance, enhancing process effectiveness, and driving continuous organizational improvement. These audits help identify nonconformities and areas for improvement, ensuring the quality management system (QMS) is effective and aligned with the organization's goals. Internal audits should not merely mimic external … [Read more...] about Book Excerpt: ISO 9001:2015 Internal Audits Made Easy
Enterprise quality management software: 9 factors to consider
Nine essential factors should be considered when selecting enterprise quality management software for large businesses with significant revenue. These factors enhance product quality, customer satisfaction, and compliance with standards, providing a structured approach to evaluating software options.Compliance with relevant regulatory requirements is critical, ensuring the … [Read more...] about Enterprise quality management software: 9 factors to consider