Emerging technologies for quality control processes in 2025
Quality control (QC) is undergoing a revolution driven by advancements in new technology. In 2025 a wave of innovative solutions is transforming the way companies ensure the quality of their products. This article explores some of the most prominent emerging technologies that are shaping the future of quality inspection and control.
Leaving the labor-intensive and limited approach behind
Historically, QC relied heavily on manual inspections and statistical evaluation methods. While effective for some applications, this approach is often labor-intensive, prone to human error, and limited in its ability to catch subtle defects.
The three pillars of quality management
Traditionally, quality management has focused on three key pillars:
- Inspection and testing: This involves physically inspecting products or conducting tests to verify their conformance with specifications.
- Data collection and analysis: Data collected during inspections and testing is analyzed to identify trends and potential quality issues.
- Corrective action: Once an issue is identified, corrective actions are implemented to address the root cause and prevent future occurrences.
Nowadays these core principles remain relevant, but new technologies in quality control are significantly enhancing each stage of the process.
Emerging technologies transforming quality control
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
AI and ML algorithms introduced new possibilities like Big Data Analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT). These tools enable teams to inspect vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and generate predictive analysis, optimizing quality problem-solving.
Throughout the QC process, AI is driving faster and more efficient results. According to a 2023 Capgemini study report, 77% of organizations cite higher productivity as the primary outcome of implementing the use of AI in quality engineering.
Shift-Left and Shift-Right Testing
If you think about the manufacturing process as an arrow going forward, the Shift-Left and Shift-Right testing approaches become self-explanatory. Shift-Left testing consists of moving inspections earlier in development to catch issues promptly. This means running security checks and implementing other preventive actions to save time and resources later.
On the other hand, Shift-Right testing focuses evaluation on phases that come during and after production; using real-world data, chaos testing, monitoring, and user feedback to validate performance, security, and usability. This approach ensures optimal functionality under actual usage conditions. Combined, both methods provide a well-rounded strategy.
Cybersecurity
Since the wide-spread use of digital systems and automation, quality control technology has become essential for maintaining operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and trust in manufacturing processes —and for avoiding cyberattacks, which are rapidly increasing. The World Economic Forum reported a 72% surge of cyber risks for organizations in their 2025 Global Cybersecurity Outlook. As threats grow more frequent and complex, thorough cybersecurity inspection helps to prevent dangerous breaches.
Cloud-based solutions
The dynamic and fast paced environment of quality control requires the accessibility, scalability, and efficiency that cloud-based solutions provide. This type of technology enables on-demand access to quality documentation, allowing teams to track nonconformances, audits, and corrective actions from anywhere.
With real-time collaboration, centralized data storage, and automated workflows, cloud-based quality control technology reduces manual errors and improves compliance. Additionally, automatically generated analytics streamline informed decision-making.
Team specialization
In the current context, professionals must learn to leverage automated quality control and inspection. This means now domain knowledge specialization is more critical than ever, because while AI can automate inspections, analyze trends, and streamline documentation, it lacks the deep industry expertise required to interpret complex nonconformances, regulatory nuances, and unprecedented supplier challenges.
Accessibility
This year new regulations backed by the European Union will impact the functioning of many industries across EU countries. The European Accessibility Act, a directive that aims to improve accessibility in a diverse array of products and services for persons with disabilities, will enter into force on June 28th 2025. These cover:
- computers and operating systems
- ATMs, ticketing and check-in machines
- smartphones
- TV equipment related to digital television services
- telephony services and related equipment
- access to audio-visual media services such as television broadcast and related consumer equipment
- services related to air, bus, rail and waterborne passenger transport
- banking services
- e-books
- e-commerce
Once the act takes place, manufacturers must ensure these products and services meet standardized accessibility requirements or face penalties for noncompliance. This way, the European Accessibility Act is pushing companies to refine quality control processes and embrace inclusive design, ensuring that accessibility is not just an afterthought but a fundamental requirement in product development.
Benefits of embracing emerging technologies
- Enhanced efficiency: Automation and advanced data analysis significantly improve the efficiency of QC tasks, freeing up human inspectors to focus on strategic goals.
- Improved accuracy: Technology can aid in identifying subtle defects that might be missed by human inspectors, which leads to higher quality standards.
- Predictive maintenance: Real-time monitoring and data analysis allow for proactive identification of potential issues, averting production downtime and reducing waste.
- Data-driven decision making: By leveraging data analytics, companies can gain deeper insights into their quality control processes, enabling them to make data-driven decisions for achieving continuous improvement.
- Supply chain transparency: New technologies in quality control like the use of blockchain can enhance transparency within the supply chain, ensuring the authenticity and compliance of materials and components.
The future of quality control technology
Current technologies in quality control pose many opportunities, as well as new challenges. Successful implementation requires investment in infrastructure, training, data security, and addressing relevant considerations surrounding the use of AI. However, these advancements promise to aid quality engineers in delivering higher quality products, increased efficiency, reduced costs, and a more resilient supply chain.
The future of QC is one where technology empowers humans, enabling them to focus on innovation and strategic problem-solving while technology handles the heavy lifting of routine inspections and data analysis. This is Kiuey’s vision.
Try a new and better way to manage quality processes and documentation with a centralized system, automated features, and enhanced transparency.
Our cloud-based solution helps teams to save up to 50% of time with streamlined workflows, real-time analytics, and 24/7 audit readiness. Schedule a free demo and discover the future of QC.
Recent Posts
