When Optimization Starts to Undermine Resilience

Systems that perform exceptionally well under normal conditions can become difficult to change when circumstances shift.

Same Standards, Different Lessons Across U.S. States

Auditing organizations across U.S. states can vary considerably, sometimes to the point of feeling like auditing different countries. 

The Most Frustrating Quality Work Often Teaches the Most

The tasks nobody clearly owns are often the ones that reveal how organizations really function and provide some of the biggest opportunities for professional growth.

Avoiding the Assumption Trap in Root Cause Analysis

When production stops unexpectedly, the pressure to find a quick explanation — and the pull of confirmation bias — can be just as dangerous as the problem itself.

Turning Audit Nonconformities Into Opportunities for Improvement

Organizations often gain the greatest value from audit findings when they view them as opportunities to strengthen their operations rather than as criticism or punishment.

How 'As Appropriate' Creates Flexibility in ISO 13485

The phrase “as appropriate” in ISO 13485 gives organizations flexibility to build a quality management system (QMS) that reflects their products, activities and risks rather than requiring every requirement to be applied in the same way.

How to Recognize an Effective Quality Manager

Appraising what a good quality manager actually is is not an easy task, but Taiwo Olagoke, Quality Improvement Manager at PZ Cussons, offers a practical framework for doing it.

AI Can Support Audits, but Humans Remain Accountable

The use of artificial intelligence (AI)  in internal audits is increasing, but not every approach will satisfy external auditors.

Every Friend Group Needs a Quality Manager

There is a saying that everyone benefits from having friends in key professions such as doctors, lawyers, tax advisers and police officers.

Knowing Where to Invest to Protect Quality and Where Costs Can Be Cut

Not every system, tool or resource deserves the same level of investment because the consequences of failure are not the same.

Questions That Reveal Which Medical Device Quality Professionals to Hire

Hiring decisions for medical device quality and regulatory roles often involve reviewing qualifications, certifications and experience.

Waste Reduction Reflects the Maturity of Food Management

Food waste is increasingly being viewed as a sign of how well an organization manages food safety and quality.

Food Safety Lessons Not Learned at University

Many organizations believe a food science degree is enough to prepare employees for food safety roles,

ISO 9001:2026 Claims Spread Despite Missing from Draft

Even though the upcoming ISO 9001:2026 edition has been widely presented as bringing new focus to artificial intelligence, digitalization, sustainability and resilience,

Can DAkkS Reform Deliver Real Change?

The German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) has moved from planning to implementation of a major reform effort, but questions remain about its ability to produce meaningful results.

Investment, Not Expense: Travel Can Preserve Company Culture

Travel is often viewed as a business expense, but Michael Mills argues that, in the right circumstances, it can be a worthwhile investment in company culture.

Unpacking the Major Changes in ISO/IEC 17020:2026

Inspection bodies preparing for future accreditation assessments will face new expectations under ISO/IEC 17020:2026, the first major revision of the standard in more than a decade.

ISO 42001 Alone Does Not Ensure EU AI Act Compliance

Organizations certified to ISO/IEC 42001may still face compliance gaps under the European Union AI Act when developing or placing high-risk AI systems on the European market.

Get Every Department Involved in Quality, Or Pay for It

Quality depends on more than just the quality department.

How Audits Will Need to Change to Assess Quality Culture

As ISO 9001:2026 moves toward publication with a stronger focus on quality culture, organizations may need to rethink how they audit their management systems.

Lessons From ASQ's World Conference on Quality and Improvement

Mike Richman, Exemplar Global's Manager of Communications, reflects on the ideas and conversations that stood out to him at the American Society for Quality (ASQ) World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI).

AI Will Help Quality Management Move Faster, but Not Fix Poor Processes

Artificial intelligence  will not replace quality management professionals, but

The Hidden Cost of Cheap IMS Consulting

Companies looking to implement an integrated management system (IMS) may be attracted by what appears to be a bargain.

Don't Expect Your QMS Engineer to Be a Superman

A single Quality Management System (QMS) engineer cannot be expected to handle every quality responsibility alone.