(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced that it is establishing a financial assistance program to help selected institutions develop and implement a NIST measurement science and engineering fellowship program.

You know the fable, the Emperor who glorified in himself and considered no one to be above him. Having been told that the clothing he would be wearing could only be seen by someone wise, he proceeded to “wear” his new clothes.

When I first got into quality, I really hated verifying the effectiveness of actions taken to correct a problem. After all, I was young and inexperienced. All of the people whose actions I was verifying were older, wiser, and more experienced than I was.

Specific techniques for data collection, fundamental to accurate analysis, are sometimes overlooked in the need to see outcomes or trends in data. The lowly check sheet represents a critical tool in effective data collection if it is used correctly.

(ANSI: New York) --  The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), coordinator of the United States standards and conformity assessment system, began accepting applications for certification bodies seeking accreditation under the new

(Pinpoint Laser Systems: Peabody, MA) -- Pinpoint Laser Systems has announced a new four-axis Microgage Receiver that provides full useful alignment information for evaluating and correcting machinery alignment problems.

It’s no secret to anyone, anywhere, that we’re experiencing a global business challenge, especially in manufacturing.

(Complete Inspection Systems Inc.: Indialantic, FL) -- Complete Inspection Systems Inc has introduced their new 14 megapixel inspection station to incorporate into their range of automated inspection software for material inspection, product counting, product tracking, and anticounterfeiting.

The term, poka-yoke (pronounced poh-kah-yoh-keh), may sound vaguely familiar and kind of fun, and even conjure up images of a dance at wedding receptions; however, poka-yoke is a quality tool that has prevented incalculable waste in the man

This is the second report from the author, who is currently working in Afghanistan. Don’t miss his first article, “Ensuring Quality in a War Zone.” 
--Editor