Management

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Becoming the Industry Liaison for the ASQ Inspection Division was a rewarding opportunity that I learned about from a colleague. After some consideration, I decided to take on the role to enhance quality and productivity across various industries.

The manufacturing industry faces a significant workforce crisis, with 77% of manufacturers struggling to fill positions and a projected shortage of 2.1 million workers by 2030, potentially costing the economy $1 trillion. Job growth in mechanical engineering is expected to be 11% from 2023-2033, primarily in manufacturing.

Years ago, I wrote a column discussing two baseball movies, Moneyball and Trouble With the Curve, which represented opposing views on the use of analytics in talent scouting within the sport.

At a sustainability conference, a small furniture manufacturer stood out by showcasing real results from applying lean principles, such as reduced scrap and energy savings. Unlike others, this manufacturer integrated sustainability into its core operations rather than treating it as a separate program.

A colleague once remarked, "Quality is like water; it flows toward the gaps." This illustrates that quality supports all areas of a business, targeting weaknesses and communication gaps. Ultimately, a strong quality organization aims to improve processes and ensures customer satisfaction.

Manufacturing leaders struggle with the choice between embracing change or risking stagnation, often delaying the adoption of lean manufacturing. Despite its benefits, resistance stems from entrenched habits and misunderstandings of its full potential.

Kalpita Mehta is a combination products and medical device expert at a top U.S. generic manufacturer. She specializes in developing complex pharmaceutical products like COVID-19 testing kits.

Supply chain vulnerabilities threaten businesses across industries, highlighted by recent disruptions like the bird flu. Companies must adopt an integrated approach—encompassing third-party monitoring and ethical AI practices—to enhance resilience and mitigate risks amid evolving regulations.

Effective strategy deployment goes beyond management by objectives, requiring a clear vision, defined responsibilities, and aligned resources. It focuses on key objectives that align with customer needs, guiding the organization toward strategic priorities through collaboration.

As the new year begins, AI, 3D scanning, and 3D printing are transforming manufacturing by enhancing efficiencies. As teams kick off Q1 projects, it's essential to consider how these trends will influence growth and open new market opportunities.