In engineering, even small mistakes can have big consequences. Here are some common quality pitfalls I’ve seen, along with tips to ensure your projects are built to last:

1. Skipping the Standards: Established codes exist for a reason! Following them protects public safety and ensures structural integrity.

2. Unnecessary CTQs: Not all technical requirements are critical to quality. Focus on the ones that truly matter for user needs and safety. Avoid feature creep and over-engineering.

3. Communication Silos: Break down the barriers! Open communication between engineers, production personnel, inspectors, and stakeholders keeps everyone on the same page and avoids missed issues and delays.

4. Don’t Demand Change, Explain Why: Implementing quality goes beyond mandates. Foster a culture where explaining the “why” behind changes leads to better understanding and buy-in from all parties

5. Cutting Corners Can Cost You: While cost and time are important, sacrificing quality for short-term savings can lead to expensive rework or even project failure down the line.

Let’s build a culture of quality first! What mistakes have you seen and what are your tips?