If industrial manufacturing had a buzzword of the decade, it might be “Industry 4.0.” The concept is inescapable, yet it can be hard to define, especially for small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs).

Lean production is built on the explicit assumption that each step is operated predictably and capably. Predictable operation can only be achieved and maintained by using process behavior charts.

The United States and China have reportedly reached a so-called phase one deal in their ongoing trade war.

(The L.S. Starrett Co.: Athol, MA) -- The L.S.

Few companies and CEOs have attracted as much praise, derision, skepticism, and enthusiasm as Telsa Motors and its founder Elon Musk.

Many manufacturers see reducing changeover time as a golden opportunity to improve operational efficiency and reduce waste.

What a year.

’Tis that time of year, when the elves at QD set down their chisels, hammers, and stone slates for a week. We’ll be grinning in sweaters and clutching beverages somewhere, like the rest of you.

As usual with Quality Digest’s diverse audience, this year’s top stories covered a wide range of topics applicable to quality professionals. From hardware to software, from standards to risk management, from China trade to FDA regulations.

Values are beliefs about what is fundamentally important. They affect your decision making and your behaviors, whether you are conscious of them or not.