Pulse of Quality 2026
Leading Edge Webinar Series
Quality has gone from a department to a strategy.
AI in quality operations has hit the mainstream—nearly half of manufacturers are using it. In a survey of quality professionals across the U.S., Germany and the U.K., manufacturers revealed challenges, opportunities and the focus on quality. For the third year in a row, organizations are elevating quality from a functional discipline to a strategic priority. And manufacturers are also navigating rising compliance demands, unpredictable tariffs and workforce challenges that continue to impact quality outcomes.
Join us for one or both sessions as we explore the results and dive into what leading manufacturers are doing with quality operations to achieve competitive results.
Presented in partnership with
Source: Pulse of Quality 2026 survey of quality professionals in the U.S., Germany and the U.K., presented with Octave.
Two sessions. One clear picture of quality in 2026.
Turning Insight into Action
Unpack the results of this year’s survey data, and drill down to uncover the key issues and challenges facing manufacturing and quality professionals today. We’ll dig into some of the numbers and find out how quality pros are deploying AI to automate workflows, spot quality problems before they reach the assembly line and bridge the skills and experience gap facing manufacturers today.
We’ll cover some key themes manufacturers identified:
- The shift of quality from one department’s responsibility to a more strategic, organization-wide initiative.
- Organizational changes as a result of the ascension of quality as a strategic initiative.
- AI in quality and manufacturing is here, and the pace of innovation is accelerating.
Vick Vaishnavi leads Octave Reliance’s business strategy and operations with extensive experience in technology and software leadership. Previously, he was SVP and GM at Everbridge, CEO of Yottaa and CEO of Aveksa. Vick holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from IIT Roorkee, a master’s in computer engineering from UMass and an MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Business.
Chris Nahil, director of public relations at Octave, is responsible for delivering Octave Reliance’s story to key audiences and markets around the world. For more than 30 years, he’s helped organizations from startups to global leaders deliver their message to influencers, prospects, customers and partners via the most effective channels.
Accelerating Growth Through Quality Excellence
Explore how leading manufacturers are turning quality into a strategic business driver:
- 71% are increasing quality spending.
- 63% are elevating quality to a company-wide strategic priority.
- 62% are deploying digital QMS platforms.
As quality becomes more deeply embedded in core business processes, it’s driving smarter decisions, stronger risk management and measurable impact on revenue and performance.
Join us to learn how top organizations are:
- Operationalizing quality as an enterprise-wide strategic initiative.
- Aligning quality to drive revenue, reduce risk and build resilience.
- Differentiating and competing through a quality-led strategy.
Chris Nahil, director of public relations at Octave, is responsible for delivering Octave Reliance’s story to key audiences and markets around the world. For more than 30 years, he’s helped organizations from startups to global leaders deliver their message to influencers, prospects, customers and partners via the most effective channels.
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