In this age where we bask in torrents of overwhelming data, we must pause and ask, as we used to say in the military, what bits of this information comprise actionable intelligence? Most importantly is which bits can be data-mined for analysis which will contribute to continuous improvement in your operation? BACKGROUND: In my experience in working with many firms, an often-overlooked opportunity exists to data mine product returns to suppliers, or from customers and/or RMA (Return Material Auth...

In aviation a conspicuous requirement among all the standards and regulations is training, Every. Single. One. Do you claim to have a Quality and Safety culture? Show me your training program. If there has ever been a critical time to revisit and emphasize your training program it is now. In this article we’ll address the following: Industry Characteristics. Executives: We need to talk. Types of Training. Required Training Recurrent Training Remedial Training Industry Characteristics. Conside...

As many of you know I have a fondness for electronics born of my avionics and electronic warfare background and experience, so the subject matter herein always commands my attention, as it should for you too since so many of you either sell assemblies with electronic/electrical components in them or sell the individual electronic/electrical components themselves. In this article we’ll review: Definition of counterfeit. Who is ERAI? The data. The new Quality Standards being flowed down to supplie...

Me at home: ‘Honey, where’s the ketchup, did you finish it?’ Wife: ‘It’s in the fridge’ Me: ‘I looked, it’s not there’ The sound of pounding footsteps on a mission are heard marching to the fridge, whereupon an impressive and commanding opening swing of the door is given, the wife’s hand swivels like a whip, tip towards the now mysteriously reappeared bottle of ketchup and voila, there it is. I bow and kiss her backhand then meekishly apply the condiment. Occasionally solutions to our problems a...

Scenario: You are a distributor, and you have an MMR (Multi Mode Receiver) in your Quarantine Cage because the MRO- Maintenance Repair & Overhaul shop returned the part to you as BER- Beyond Economical Repair due to an unrepairable power supply. There is a customer who is looking for a cover whose part number is the cover for the MMR in the Q Cage. You simply remove the 10 screws to disassemble the cover from the MMR assembly, and voila, you have an AR- As Removed condition part and you’re a her...