The Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought both new challenges and opportunities to the field of quality engineering. With the constant evolution of technology and the widespread adoption of data analytics, it has become even more important for companies to take a holistic and strategic approach to quality engineering.
This is where the Quality Award framework can play a crucial role. The Quality Award framework provides a detailed and comprehensive framework for quality engineering that can help organizations understand how to effectively integrate advanced sensing technologies, analytics capabilities, and new quality models into their operations. By doing so, companies can achieve a competitive edge, improve quality, and deliver their products and services more efficiently in the digital era.
To further adapt to the complexities and changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, companies can also use different frameworks and tools, such as the Industry Competence and Maturity for Advanced Manufacturing (IMAM) framework and the analytic maturity model. Such models help companies assess their maturity level in different areas, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop a plan for improvement. Team composition also plays an important role in ensuring success in the digital era.
Data scientists and reliability engineers play crucial roles in discovering hidden insights, predicting the lifespan of components and systems, and improving development processes. By having a diverse and skilled team, companies can facilitate innovation and adapt to the changing technological landscape. Another important area to consider is Quality 4.0. This involves the use of digital, automated, and connected inspection techniques for complete process control.
This approach has potential applications in various industries, allowing for continuous monitoring and quality improvement. In summary, the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents both challenges and opportunities to the quality engineering discipline. By adapting to technology innovations, leveraging data analytics, and utilizing different frameworks and tools, companies can stay ahead of the curve and ensure success in the digital era. Investing in the right team and adopting Quality 4.0 can also help companies achieve a competitive edge and improve their processes.
Authors
Zonnenshain, A., & Kenett, R. S. (2020). Quality 4.0—the challenging future of quality engineering. Quality Engineering, 32(4), 614-626. https://doi.org/10.1080/08982112.2019.1706744