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DVT Corp. recently announced the availability of a new PC-based object linking and embedding for process control server designed to work with the company’s Legend series of smart camera-based machine vision systems. OPC technology can eliminate expensive custom interfaces and drivers normally…
SigmaXL recently released an enhanced version of its eponymous software suite. SigmaXL 3.0 features failure mode effects analysis; cause-and-effect matrix templates; gage repeatability and reliability templates with multivariable, X-bar and R-charts; as well as; multiple regression with…
Top executives from Bank of America will host a Six Sigma symposium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 25-27. Bank Chairman and CEO Kenneth D. Lewis will deliver the keynote address, and the company’s Six Sigma Leadership Team will lead a moderated panel discussion about using Six Sigma…
Quest Diagnostics recently announced the selection of Instantis’ EnterpriseTrack tracking and management solution for its Six Sigma effort. EnterpriseTrack will be in use by Quest Six Sigma teams spread across its business units. “Information tracking and reporting needs for Six Sigma are…
ISO 10006:2003, guidelines for quality management projects, was released in the fall of 2003. This standard is creating the next wave in our understanding of project managing processes. But how does ISO 10006 compare to the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of…
The presidents of the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission and the secretary-general of the International Telecommunications Union recently highlighted the importance of international standards in a joint address. The annual message…
Randy Dougherty, the Registrar Accreditation Board’s director of registrar accreditation, was recently named chair of the technical committee of the International Accreditation Forum. The appointment was made at a meeting held in Bern, Switzerland. Dougherty’s three-year term began on July 1…
A new standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization and international maritime organizations aims at making ports around the world more secure. ISO/PAS 20858 was adopted by more than 100 member countries of the International Maritime Organization. It contains…
National Quality Assurance announced it was accredited by the American National Standards Institute-Registrar Accreditation Board to register companies to AS9003. NQA representatives report the approval demonstrates that its assessors meet the exacting standards and expertise required in the…
July marked the 20th anniversary of the Coordinate Measurement Systems Conference, the only conference solely devoted to the users, services and OEM manufacturers of close-tolerance coordinate measurement systems, software and peripherals. This year’s conference and exhibition was held in San…
The National Committee for Quality Assurance recently released the newest version of its comprehensive Quality Compass database. For the first time, the database includes a measure of flu shots given to adults aged 50-64 last year. The metric is important, reports the NCQA, because influenza…
ASI DataMyte was recently awarded a “People Make Quality Happen” award by General Motors. The manufacturer received the award for its 501 Fit Gate program, implemented to check gap and flush and vehicle body panels during final assembly. The program replaced an inefficient “carrot stick”…
The new version of AssurX’s CATSWeb Enterprise Quality Tracking System includes new features that increase user productivity. The additions of CATSWeb dynamic forms and full-text search features are the centerpieces of the new release. Dynamic forms allows users to adapt based on prior…
ASI DataMyte opened a Brazilian subsidiary recently, expanding the quality solutions provider’s market share in South America. The new subsidiary, ASI DataMyte do Brasil Equipamentos para Controle de Qualidade Ltda., will be operated by Marcelo Trovo and Agnaldo Trovo. The two were formerly…
Ask employees at any financial institution to pick two words to describe a typical core system conversion, and "major headache" is likely the nicest description you’ll hear. Ask that question at $1 billion South Carolina Federal Credit Union, North Charleston, South Carolina, and prepare to hand…
There’s a marauding infestation of adverbs and adjectives that infiltrate the text of quality documents and operating procedures, wreaking havoc wherever they are found. The leader of this menacing bunch is called “All.” Among his compatriots you’ll find “Never,” “Always,” “Every” and “None.”
When…
Employees of Baxa Corp. recently graduated from a government-funded pilot program in Six Sigma methodology and were deployed to use their new skills to improve their company. The training program is just part of Baxa’s quality improvement efforts. The company is now working on several…
ORBIS Corp. recently announced it hired Allen Dembski to lead the company’s Six Sigma implementation. “Allen’s proven expertise in executing continuous improvement initiatives will provide ORBIS with enhanced operational and administrative efficiencies to provide our customers with…
Representatives from last year’s Baldrige Award-winning companies will address two upcoming conferences for quality professionals. The conferences will be held in Oak Brook, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas, on Sept. 10 and Sept. 30, respectively. Representatives from 2003 Baldrige Award…
Breakthrough Management Group opened its European headquarters in London recently, raising the performance improvement training and consulting firm’s international profile.
With offices on five continents, BMG reports the expansion enables the company to be physically closer to its international…
Two new resources from Pivotal Resources promise to streamline operations for quality professionals. nLighten is an interactive e-learning course that teaches foundational Six Sigma concepts and process improvement. The Flash-based program introduces the principles that drive Six Sigma and…
Sypris Test & Measurement plans to move its Franklin, Tennessee primary standards lab to its headquarters in Orlando, Florida, the company recently announced.
The new Orlando lab will feature enhanced capabilities and equipment, and NIST-traceable calibration. Mobile service offerings will be…
Pilgrim Software Inc. announces that Blood Systems successfully implemented its SmartCAPA deviation and nonconformance management solution at 35 sites across the United States. SmartCAPA is a fully integrated part of Pilgrim’s Microsoft .NET-based SmartSolve Integrated Compliance Management…
I’m a huge proponent of both Six Sigma and lean manufacturing. I’ve been teaching the tools used in Six Sigma for more than 15 years, and I make a portion of my living from consulting and training in these areas.
However, Six Sigma and lean manufacturing are business improvement processes that…
Launching a Six Sigma initiative starts with a lot of enthusiasm from the “champion” who’s found courage and conviction to persuade management to commit to it. With enough resources, interest, excitement and the help of some consultants, the Six Sigma initiative gets off the ground. After initial…