Managing the Quality Assurance Function in Today's Industrial Environment

Today's industrial environment, with its uncertain delivery schedules, fluctuating costs, and consumer product legislation, has placed added burdens and responsibilities on all company activities at all levels. In this regard, the quality assurance department has more than its share of responsibility. The downturn in the economy and resultant tighter budgets increase the need for good quality managing principles. Also, the Consumer Product Safety Act and OSHA require greater management assurance that a saleable product requires more emphasis on quality participation in the design process. This paper discusses the impact of all three of the above on quality assurance and points out ways quality assurance can measure up to their demands.