I am having difficulty locating a company that provides IMDS training either on-site or off. I have tried searching on-line and contacted a few local companies but most directed me to the International Material Data System training manual which I already have a copy of. I am looking for a consultant and not web-based training. Our company is located in Watertown, CT. Would greatly appreciate any information anyone could provide.
Janice

Have a look at this thread:
http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?p=77438

There's some info in it regarding IMDS training.

The best source is EDS (the guys who run IMDS) themselves. Have you contacted them and visited their website?

Here is a useful link: http://services.mdsystem.com/magnoliaPublic/en/services/training.html and click on "Inhouse". You will then need to contact Iona Pollock by clicking the "IMDS training co-ordinator" link. She shold be able to organise it for you.

Hope that helps.

Follow the already-referenced link also to "Partners" and "Training Dates" for IMDS training world-wide. MDSMap in Ann Arbor, Michigan is the usual facility for training in North America - they have an excellent course and facility, and include post-training support. Their coordinator is Sonja Waite at TetraTech (aka MDSMap).

B.G.Wiehle

Just a little :topic: as I know the original thread was started with the aim of finding non-web based IMDS training, but I have just visited the following site:

If you go to www.gmw3059.com (you will need to register to gain access), you can use the "Teach yourself IMDS" Online Video Seminar link. This is invaluable for those needing to get started on IMDS, without the requirement for leaving your office or having to arrange someone to come in!

Obviously this is GM based but it will certainly be a start. It is a very detailed seminar going from the requirements to do IMDS through to how to successfully complete an IMDS article. You can skip to individual sections dependant upon your requirements. It is actually one of the best I have seen. Thought this might be a useful reference for others! I have attached a screenshot of small piece of the seminar.

It is streamed, so a good internet connection and the relevant Flash software is required.

Hope it helps.

I am having difficulty locating a company that provides IMDS training either on-site or off. I have tried searching on-line and contacted a few local companies but most directed me to the International Material Data System training manual which I already have a copy of. I am looking for a consultant and not web-based training. Our company is located in Watertown, CT. Would greatly appreciate any information anyone could provide.
Janice
The "official" training is through TetraTech. They offer regular courses in MI and can contract for offsite. My company RSJ Technical provides IMDS managed services that does include on site training. The biggest issue I have found is not learning the system, but developing a work process that is efficient for your business. Just learning the system is fine, but can be costly and overly timeconsuming without learning how to make IMDS reporting part of your regular operations and processes.

What type of products does your company make?

Mike

Hi Mike,
We are a small company that manufactures miniature eyelets. Mostly commerical and about 25% automotive.
Jan

I would strongly endorse MDSMap/TetraTech in Ann Arbor. I took their IMDS training several years ago (when it first started up) and found them to be an excellent supplier.

Having said that, if you don't have a 'big' need for this (one or two customers, just a few parts) then the online training from GM would probably be sufficient.

In general, the IMDS system isn't that difficult to use, at least not for those of us down at the bottom of the food chain. As you work further and further up the ladder, however, it gets progressively more complicated.

I would strongly endorse MDSMap/TetraTech in Ann Arbor. I took their IMDS training several years ago (when it first started up) and found them to be an excellent supplier.

Having said that, if you don't have a 'big' need for this (one or two customers, just a few parts) then the online training from GM would probably be sufficient.

In general, the IMDS system isn't that difficult to use, at least not for those of us down at the bottom of the food chain. As you work further and further up the ladder, however, it gets progressively more complicated.

I would echo Ron's comments. I have never found the need for formal training on IMDS and we work as Tier 1 and Tier 2. I was lucky enough to be able to teach myself. It is pretty straight forward. I would say the online training available is pretty comprehensive and the OEMs are normally pretty forward in showing you were you maybe going wrong.