The ongoing relevance of the quality profession requires evolution and adaptation to meet the needs of the 21st century. Remember, the quality profession originated with the need for inspection to prevent poor quality from reaching customers; this was before it evolved to include metrology, inspection by sampling, statistical process control, and other familiar quality management techniques. These are all necessary, but insufficient to meet the needs of modern industry.

This article’s message is intended to be to quality what the Theory of Everything is to physics (i.e., that one theory could explain every aspect of physics). We want a single and easily understood principle that can guide a supply chain’s every action, and also show how to stop economic inflation. This principle comprises value and balance, and all they imply.

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