Evolution from quality management to an integrative management system based on TQM and its impact on the profession of quality managers in industry

Quality has a long tradition in industry. In and after the Second World War we all focused on quality control. In the 1980s, quality management systems, as given in the ISO standards 9000 series, paved the way for a quality‐related business management. Advanced companies today are in a post‐ISO‐era, in search of business excellence to meet the challenges of the globalisation in all market segments. The total integration of all management aspects into an integrative business management will bring the breakthrough needed. This evolution will have a tremendous impact on the traditional profession of quality managers in industry.