I always look forward to this time of year. Not in anticipation of prezzies under the tree, but for what changes 2009 will bring. First, this issue brings you the last columns for two long-time columnists. Davis Balestracci’s no-nonsense approach to statistics has been popular with our readers for four years. Irreverent, confrontational, and, hey, let’s say it, just a bit feisty, ... [Read More]

Misadventures in Big-Box Land Regarding “Big Boxes Beware” (“First Word,” Dirk Dusharme, November 2008): If you want to experience grocery-industry customer service at its finest, visit Wegmans. Their employees will load your groceries in your car for free, provide umbrellas for trips to your car in the rain for those who don’t have one, and personally take you to the items that ... [Read More]

HEADLINES  2008 Global Productivity Report Survey Seeks to Identify Energy Trends Do the Math New Book: Twenty Things You Need to Know ISO Survey of Certifications-2007 USDA Traceability Business Plan ASQ’s 2008 Fellows Better Emergency Room Care   2008 Global Productivity Report According to the “2008 Global Productivity Report,” the recent annual ... [Read More]

As this is my last column for Quality Digest, I’m delighted to announce that my distinguished predecessor, Donald J. Wheeler, will be writing this column again. You’ll be in good hands. When I got my master’s degree in statistics in 1980, jobs were plentiful for internal statistical consultants in corporate research and manufacturing. Their jobs involved educating scientists and ... [Read More]

A Tell Tool technician using the Hawkeye borescope for part inspection A mix of mission-critical components for high-stakes applications makes visual inspection a key part of the process for Westfield, Massachusetts, manufacturer Tell Tool Inc. The company manufacturers complex machined castings, forgings, and wrought material for aircraft and ... [Read More]

Veriteq software at Teledyne technologies Teledyne Microelectronic Technologies, a Teledyne Technologies Inc. company, is a microelectronics manufacturer specializing in products and services for the defense, space, aviation, medical, and broadband communications markets. Because these markets are highly regulated, Teledyne maintains a quality ... [Read More]