I think the answer stands at the base of all: the customer. What does the customer need? Over-quality or “good enough”? A good risk assessment can solve a lot of approaches towards this question. I still think is very much related to what the customer wants.

Quality should come second to none, as poor product quality can deliver irreparable brand damage. Production efficiencies can be improved in a number of ways. For example: through automation, workflow, and investment in people and processes.

Balancing production targets and quality is tough, but possible with the right approach. Here’s how I manage both: 1. Plan smartly: Break big production goals into smaller, manageable steps. This helps avoid rushing and keeps quality in check. 2. Train the team well: Make sure everyone knows the quality standards and how to meet them, even under pressure. 3. Use the right tools and process: Automate where possible and set up clear workflows to save time without cutting corners. 4. Check regularly: Do quick quality checks during the process instead of waiting till the end. This helps fix problems early.

You're caught between meeting production targets and ensuring quality. How do you balance both? It's a familiar challenge—and finding that balance often separates short-term output from sustainable performance.

To balance production targets and quality, start by building quality into the process—not just inspecting at the end. Standardize work methods to ensure consistency and reduce rework. Use visual controls and error-proofing (poka-yoke) to prevent mistakes. Train operators to self-check and stop when defects occur, empowering them to take ownership. Align daily production goals with quality KPIs, so both are measured and valued equally. Conduct quick root cause analyses for issues without delaying flow. Continuous improvement and teamwork help meet targets without compromising quality.

What I would first do is to highlight the loss we might face due to poor quality by just chasing production targets. Ideal steps after this would be to still chase the targets, but in a way that I can ramp up quality immediately after. In my opinion this may take more time, but is better than just chasing after either of the two metrics.