If AI helped write the CAPA, summarize the audit evidence, or suggest a root cause… what should the auditor ask next?

In this AI-assisted episode of All Things Quality, we explore how AI is showing up in quality management systems — and how auditors can respond without losing sight of the fundamentals. From data and risk to evidence, controls, and human oversight, this episode walks through practical questions every quality professional should keep in mind when AI enters the QMS.

Follow the links below to learn more about this topic:

• When the QMS Thinks for Itself — What QMS auditors should know about AI.
  https://asq.org/quality-progress/articles/standard-issues-when-the-qms-thinks-for-itself?id=c460fb5bcf3b444b9ac370c65582bdb8
• AI Risks and Rewards — How internal audit can support responsible AI adoption.
  https://asq.org/quality-progress/articles/ai-risks-and-rewards?id=d345dd464be743c09fbf2856912c0466
• Leveraging AI to Support Your QMS — Examples of how AI can support QMS work.
  https://asq.org/quality-progress/articles/expert-answers-leveraging-ai-to-support-your-qms?id=e2506c6d5c1d432b839fc566ef6fde5a
• Taking Responsibility — A look at ISO/IEC 42001 and AI management systems.
  https://asq.org/quality-progress/articles/taking-responsibility?id=de9ba88edd064801a1537532d65430e9
• AI’s Missing Ingredient — Why human judgment and quality thinking still matter.
  https://asq.org/quality-progress/articles/ais-missing-ingredient?id=11d1df5360e84606ba169800e08cdd39

In this episode of All Things Quality, we talk with Darshi Bassi, quality improvement advisor at Mayo Clinic, about her quality journey, digital transformation, and the role of Quality 4.0 in healthcare.

Darshi shares lessons from her “My Quality Story” article and discusses how systems thinking, process improvement, AI, automation, and classic quality tools can help organizations improve — when they are used with purpose, discipline, and a clear focus on people and outcomes.

Also included is our “Quality News You Can Use” segment featuring ASQ updates, member resources, upcoming events, certification support, and more.

Featured Links and Resources:

• Darshi Bassi’s Quality Progress article: “My Quality Story: Evolving from ‘bug queen’ to ‘diamond’”
• Darshi Bassi’s Quality Progress article: “Catch All”
• ASQ Quality 4.0 resources
• ASQ Ascend Webinars: “Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Managing Quality Issues and Supplier Challenges Beyond Your Control”
• Quality Progress 40 Under 40 nominations
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belt
• QuINCY Study Assistant for Certified Six Sigma Green Belt

• Related episode: ATQ Podcast: “AI, Empathy, and the Future of Care” with Neha Chowrasia

Recorded live at WCQI, Doug Wood and W. Frazier Pruitt — coauthors of Principles of Quality Costs, Fifth Edition — join All Things Quality to discuss the hidden costs organizations often miss, and why the future of quality depends on fundamentals, communication, business fluency, and people.

More resources:
What is Cost of Quality? — ASQ
2025 ASQE Insights on Excellence Cost of Quality Report
Targeting Quality Costs — Quality Progress
Cost of Quality: Finance for Continuous Improvement — ASQ Training
Connect with Doug Wood on LinkedIn
Connect with W. Frazier Pruitt on LinkedIn

Before WCQI 2026, I spoke with Seetharam “Ram” Kandarpa, Founder and Director of Shaarkview Consultancy, ASQ ConnEx Expert, and ASQ volunteer leader, about where quality is headed next.

We discuss his journey into quality, current challenges in the field, what Quality 5.0 means in practical terms, balancing technology with human judgment, and advice for quality professionals looking to grow in a changing landscape.

Listen now, share with a fellow quality professional, and follow All Things Quality for more conversations shaping the future of quality.

More resources:

• Seetharam “Ram” Kandarpa | ASQ ConnEx Expert profile
• ATQ Podcast Episode 9: Upskilling for Quality 4.0 & 5.0
• ASQ: Quality 4.0 overview
• ASQ Article: The Download: From Quality 4.0 to the Brink of 5.0
• ASQTV: Industry 5.0

In this episode of All Things Quality, we talk with Neha Chowrasia about AI in healthcare and why the future is not human vs. machine, but both working together.

We explore where AI is improving quality, safety, and efficiency, and why empathy, judgment, and human-centered care still matter most.

Based on Neha’s Quality Progress article, “Hand in Hand.”

More resources:

• Connect with Neha on LinkedIn
• Read Neha’s Quality Progress article, “Hand in Hand”
• Join ASQ
• Download the ASQ Mobile App for bonus material and more quality resources

What happens when the procedure looks right on paper, but real work tells a different story?

In this episode of All Things Quality, I’m joined by Andrea Baker, The HOP Mentor, for a practical conversation on Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) and what quality leaders can learn from the human side of work.

We get into how Andrea found her way into HOP, why safety and quality are more connected than many people realize, and how leaders can move from blame-based reactions to better learning. We also talk about procedure drift, person vs. system thinking, culture change, and where AI and technology can help—or hurt—when organizations are trying to understand how work really gets done.

More resources:

• Andrea Baker on LinkedIn
• Andrea’s 2026 ASQ Lean and Six Sigma Conference keynote presentation
• The HOP Mentor website
• Join ASQ

What does the next era of quality look like?

In this episode of All Things Quality, Danny Even Chen joins us to explore how AI, digitization, and changing expectations are reshaping the future of quality.

He also shares the framework he proposes for this next era: a five-dimensional view of quality that expands beyond product and service to include solution, knowledge, and experience.

• Read his Quality Progress article: Branching Into the Next Era of Quality
• Connect on LinkedIn: Danny Even Chen
• Attend ASQ's World Conference on Quality & Improvement (Orlando, May 17)
• Access Your April Member Gift – Lean Six Sigma in the Digital Age⁠
• Download ASQ's Mobile App⁠
• Send feedback /podcast ideas: ⁠mailto:[email protected]

In this episode, we introduce the basics of root cause analysis and walk through several essential RCA tools used to uncover the real causes behind problems. A practical overview for quality professionals looking to strengthen problem solving and continuous improvement. Plus, we share a few ASQ updates to keep you in the loop.

ASQ Updates -

• ASQ Certifications (Apply by April 13): https://asq.org/cert
• Free Webinar - Discover the Value of ASQ (April 23)
• ASQ World Conference on Quality & Improvement (Orlando): https://asq.org/wcqi (May 17)
• April Member Gift – Lean Six Sigma in the Digital Age: https://asq.org/membership/member-gift
• Quality Progress Articles (including “Hand in Hand”): https://asq.org/quality-progress

• ASQ Mobile App (Join today): https://asq.org/membership/mobile-app
• Provide Feedback / Ideas: mailto:[email protected]

In this episode, experienced auditor, trainer, and active ASQ leader, Susan Gorveatte reframes auditing as a journey—one that requires preparation, objectivity, communication skills, and a commitment to comparing evidence to criteria without opinion.

She explains the importance of balancing interviews, observation, and records review, building strong rapport from the start, and recognizing positive findings—not just nonconformities.

• 📘 Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Management System Auditing – Article by Susan Gorveatte

• 📖 ISO 19011: Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems
  

• 📘 ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems Requirements
  

• 🌎 ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement (WCQI)
  

• 👩‍💼 Learn More About Susan Gorveatte via LinkedIn

In this AI-generated episode of All Things Quality, we revisit PDCA’s origins, explore why it remains one of the most powerful tools in quality management, and examine how emerging technologies — including AI, automation, and real-time analytics — are strengthening rather than replacing this disciplined approach.

You’ll also hear practical insights, historical context, and a few “Did you know?” facts that may change how you think about this deceptively simple cycle.

Whether you're leading Lean initiatives, applying Six Sigma methods, or navigating digital transformation, PDCA remains the backbone of meaningful improvement.

More resources:

• PDCA Cycle – Learn About Quality (LAQ)

• Back to Basics: The Benefits of PDCA – Quality Progress

• Quality 101: Back to Basics – Virtual Course