R ecently more than 194 manufacturing IT managers and directors were asked to identify what would facilitate collaboration and productivity improvements across their organizations. More than 150 people completed a multiple-choice email survey, which contained both open-ended and multiple-choice responses. Of those who responded, 95 percent identified quality assurance management as a critical area that needed to improve technological collaboration.

Many of the respondents represented medical device, automotive assembly, and electronics manufacturing enterprises; others were involved in some aspect of machining. Although respondents perceived that the quality operation was siloed from other company functions, they noted it was simply part of the company’s culture rather than a deliberate isolation. This quality silo had evolved from a lack of technology, preventing collaboration across functions.

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