The fall Conference put on by Industrial Quality Consultants, our own Bob Einwalter and Woody Santy, was an interesting and fun refresher of Six Sigma principles. Those of you who were in attendance I’m sure agree with me. The focus of the conference was intended for small business, but the principles and tools can be utilized in any size business. Truly, are not very large corporations actually hundreds of small businesses anyway? When you look at them from a systemic point of few, they are typically broken down into business units, or commodity based manufacturing processes, or industries that they serve. When you consider a project, or any business decision for that matter, it must be based on sound information. Decisions should be based on data, not specifically dollars as most six sigma projects are based. I realize that every company is in business for one reason, to be profitable. However, IQC did point out that six sigma projects for improvement should not be focused totally on dollars. They may improve a process in way that can not be measured, customer or stakeholder satisfaction for example.  Thank you Bob & Woody for a great day! 

In reading the November issue of Quality Progress magazine, I don’t know what your reaction was, but I found it an interesting statistic blown up on the bottom of page 10 showing that the average salary in U.S. dollars earned by a regular, full-time quality professional in 2010 according to their annual survey was $92,657. That is impressive, and I don’t know where you sit, but I think I would like to be at that xbar level. I am saving that page for my annual review! 

In addition to that fun fact, I hope you are aware that November was World Quality Month, and that ASQ has launched a new effort to improve its brand image, through you the members! In addition to “Making Good Great” they have initiated feedback polls and conducted research to determine where it really stands in the world with respect to its reputation. In gathering the data and listening to their customers (members like you & me) they have determined that members want their voices to be heard. According to Paul Borawski, ASQ executive director and chief strategic officer, (as quoted from the article in QP) “Nobody understands the impact quality can have on the world better than them. (ASQ members) Not tapping into that knowledge and passion would be a missed opportunity, so the organization set in motion a strategy that will spread that message worldwide – one person at a time.” Frankly, I find this not only very interesting, but invigorating! Because it seems to me, those of us in the trenches that have been preaching quality sciences most of their career (well, I have been trying anyway) we sometimes feel as though we are speaking to deaf audiences. The new initiative has electronic media and blogs rolling out where members can share best practices, ask questions, quiz experts, and even vent on a blog roll where experts from all around the globe can communicate with one another and you! 

In other interesting news, it was noted that manufacturing technology consumption in the U.S. is up nearly 60% over the same period last year. The data was provided by a study completed by the American Machine Tool Distributors Association showing that even during the normal slow period of the summer months, 2010 showed a steady increase in orders. This signals good things to come for those of us in manufacturing as we continue to shake off the hangover of the “Great Recession”. 

Even better than the quotes above, I found that the “Guru Guide” was very informative and educational, and if you’re an expert on these pioneering contributors to quality, it’s a great handy reference and refresher for future educational opportunities.

How about them Packers! The Green Bay professional football team is on a roll and now tied with the Chicago Bears for first place in the North Division. You have a unique opportunity to tour the historic Lambeau field for an extraordinarily low price which includes your section monthly educational opportunity and a delicious meal. Please check the meetings and events page and sign up today, its going to be a great night of learning and networking. It’s also your last chance in 2010 to catch up with your local quality professionals who are fighting the good fight in all the areas discussed above.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Dave Wildner
Section Chair / Winnebago / # 1206
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