LEAN Manufacturing is a huge "buzzword" these days. If your organization is interested in getting more streamlined we may have just what the doctor ordered. WQN is proud to be hosting a webinar on January 30th in association with LORMAN Education Services. We will discuss all aspects of LEAN and 5S to help you get your organization

Lean manufacturing is a strategy for achieving significant improvement in performance through the elimination of all waste of time and resources in the total business process. This teleconference will evaluate the current global business environment where competition and constant price reduction demands impact heavily on management decisions. Lean manufacturing concepts have proven highly effective in assisting companies to remain competitive, innovative and profitable.

Lean implementation results in enhanced costs and cycle time reduction, increased customer satisfaction and standardized high quality. This 90-minute teleconference hosted by Worldwide Quality Network, Inc., will provide a comprehensive overview of lean methods that can be used to reduce waste and maximize operation.

We are proud to announce that one of our own trainers, Mr. Ron Tarach will be leading this webinar along with JoCeal Urbaniak, president of WQN. The cost is only $199 and there are continuing education credits available. For more information please contact Dan at WQN for a flyer or check the Lorman website for registration.

Here is another good way to start the year with an excerpt from one of our mini tools. (Due to size restrictions in this newsletter some of the charts and diagrams cannot be dispalyed.) Please contact us for a complete copy of this tool which is available at no charge.

Tools description: When your organization establishes a SIX SIGMA or LEAN work ethic, one of the most important tools is this particular tool, enabling you to measure process capability. Process capability ratios are calculated to determine the process variation that comes from natural and special causes. These ratios, also called Cp and Cpk indices, relate the process variability to the design specification (tolerance) that reflects the customer's expectation or requirements. Cp is listed to characterize the capability, and Cpk is used to measure actual process performance.

Tool classification: Analyzing/TrendingTool linkage example: Before: Sampling Methods (173), After: Variance Analysis (212) Typically used by/for: Research/Statistics,Creativity/innovation,1 Engineering, Project management, 2 Manufacturing, Marketing/Sales,Administration/Documentation, Servicing/Support, 3 Customer/quality metrics, 4 Change Management.

Team problem-solving phase: x Select and define problem or opportunity, x Identify and analyze causes or potential change, Develop and plan possible solutions or change, Implement and evaluate solution or change, x Measure and report solution or change, Recognize and reward team efforts.

Typical application: · To estimate how well the process meets customer requirements. · To monitor and measure product quality. · To verify process variability to design specifications. · To promote communications among design engineering, suppliers, and manufacturing.

Step-by-step procedure: STEP 1 A team is formed with the goal of reduced process variability. STEP 2 Through the data collection process, process data such as specific product specifications tolerances, control charts, samples of measurements, and historical data calculations are acquired. See example Tax Paper Extension Wire Measurements. STEP 3 Sample data are organized and summarized using descriptive statistics. A recommendation is made to read some background tools contained in this book:  Descriptive statistics (tool 66)  Normal probability distribution (tool 119)  Standard deviation (tool 184) STEP 4 Using process means and standard deviations, the Cp capability ratios can be calculated and compared. Note: Measurement in this example is centimeters (cm). STEP 5 An action plan is developed on the basis of the actual process performance results calculated. Required activities usually require reduction of process variations or re-centering of the process within the specifications.

If you haven't already done so please take a moment to watch our little movie. In just 3 minutes you will get a great feel for WQN's capabilities. This is FLASH presentation so feel free to forward this to a colleague as the file isn't very large. (If you need to download FLASH on to your computer we have an easy link on our homepage.)

The Tool and Die maker is a dying trade here in the USA. This is another unfortunate casualty to outsourcing to foreign competition. Manufacturers under pressure have been lead down the wrong path. The low cost attraction of having tooling made in the east for a fraction of the price seems attractive at first, however many of our clients admit poor quality workmanship leads to a higher percentage of loss ultimately affecting bottom line profits

We would like to introduce you to Mr. Raul Sarraute, owner of ARTECH C.S. Advanced Automation. When we first met Raul he mentioned that he can design anything in his head within minutes. Given a little more time, he can transform his conceptual idea into a working product usually within days. He is very proud of his quick turn around time. Raul is a genius at what he does and we highly recommend you try his service if you need assistance. And you know what? He wasn't kidding about be able to design anything within minutes!

Raul has 40 years of experience in custom machining services. He is capable of designing and developing complex, multifunction assembly devices. He is a Tool and Die Master and is capable of designing and manufacturing prototypes. He is an expert at refining automation and can usually build a better assembly machine that works faster and his cost is cheaper. If you have a need to improve your manufacturing facility he can design and build the equipment based on your thoughts. He also is skilled in repairing molds.

It's not too often you come across this kind of talent so we are happy to feature Raul this month. He is currently offering a no obligation assessment for any need you may have. So before you are tempted to contact that dirt cheap supplier who's time zone is another day we urge you to give him a call at (805) 987-6584 or (818) 668-7156 and let him prove his skills to you.

WQN, Inc. provides professional quality consulting to internationally recognized quality standards and applications including; ISO 9001:2000, AS9100/9110/9120, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, TS16949, SIX SIGMA, 5S, LEAN Manufacturing, Reorganization and more. Our services range from consulting, gap analysis, on going maintenance, internal auditing, full system development, customer/regulatory requirement integration workshops (on or off site). We are also the only training organization to offer the "Baustein Koncept" (building block) series of workshops. Build and customize your own training program from these building blocks or different workshops that cover - Process/Quality Improvement, Tools for Teaming, Training and Organizational Development, LEAN Manufacturing, JIT/CTM Practice, Cycle Time Management, Process Mapping, Customer Satisfaction, Surveys, Employee Motivation, and many more. Log on to: WQN's Baustein Workshops Now offering ANAB Certified Lead/Internal Auditor Training in our Camarillo facility. Call us today for a FREE analysis or at least to answer any questions you may have and offer some realistic option. You can do it on our dime... 877-WQN- TODAY (877-976-8632)