Thought I'd start something a little lighter. Several threads recently have really hammered on the negative side of our profession. But We're still in it. Why?

So

How did you get started in Quality?
Did you slide in from inspection like me?
Did you drift into it because someone needed some paperwork done?
Did you grow into it with a growing company?

More to the point why do we stay in it.
Love the "missionary" aspect?
Genuinely feel like you're making a difference?
or
Just plain old mascochism?

For myself I ran a machine for ten years during which I got a Associates degree in machine design. Found I couldn't quite afford to make the jump into engineering, so when an inspection job opened up I took it. Worked under a fine man/mentor who didn't mince words. (He warned me not to take the job)

I worked inspection, read magazines, wound up joining ASQ and gaining some certifications. Then I switched jobs and became a Quality Manager. :bonk: :frust:

For all the frustrations though, I don't know what else I would want to do. The job is interesting, the challenge constant, and the company I work for is dynamic (not always possitively). Plus the salary is decent.


So what say all, Why do you stay in this field. Lets start the holiday weekend off on a positieve note. (U. S. Memorial day)

James:truce:

I'd like to say I got into QC because of the destructive testing aspect - breaking things is fun! - but the truth is I started out as a mechanical designer and migrated. I kept hearing about product which had gone out incorrectly assembled even though the designs were fine. This was especially bad since the company made remote telemetry equipment for monitoring the weather and some of the installations were accessable only by helicoptor (field service was a serious issue!). I began working with the QC department (which was missing a lot of the problems caused by production) and after improving their process, was offered the job of department manager. I occasionaly kick myself for taking the position (like when I get static from those nutty mechanical designers), but usually I LOVE my job. I have a touch of OCD and having harnessed it for the powers of good instead of evil, getting up on monday mornings is now just as easy as the rest of the week. Why do I stay in this field? Hey, it's easier than REAL work, right?

I got into this at the tender age of 19, starting as an assistant to the Quality Manager for a small company. Moved to inspection, then supervision changed jobs a few time and worked my way up to Quality Manager. The BIG change came to my life, children, and I got off the quality wagon for a few years. I couldn't see being an effective parent if I was working 50+ hours a week. After about 3 years, I came to work for the company I am still with, as the night shift inspector. I wanted to get back in the game, but I was still not ready for the huge time commitment. About a year later, I moved to day shift and began to create the QA Manger position. 3 years ago, I got the official title, and less than a 40 hour work week!

Why stay in it, because it is what I do best.

Have a great weekend all…..I am outta here in about 2 hours!!!!

CarolX
:bigwave:

Thanks JRKH for starting a positive thread on this subject. I think it is interesting to know a little of the background of the people we so often ask advice of.

I started out in manufacturing in the early 70's on the factory floor of a roller bearings company. After a couple of years I was promoted to the metallurgical laboratory. I earned my Associates Degree at night in Industrial Engineering Tech. and after (8 ½) years with that company, and several opportunities for other promotions, I worked as an Industrial Engineer for the next (11) years, first for a robot manufacturer, then a defense contractor. A valve manufacturing company announced that they would be building a plant next door and was looking for a Manufacturing Manager. I sent a resume and got the job. Before the plant was finished, the "would be" plant manager left and another took his place. He and I started up the plant and, like in most startups, you assume multiple roles. In addition to Manufacturing Manager, I also had responsibility for Quality. Soon that Plant Manager left and I assumed his position as well. After several years, corporate went through a merger and that operation was relocated to corporate. Not wanting to move (650 miles) away, I took a job as Quality Manager for another valve manufacturer for about (6) years. I am no longer with that company, but still a Quality Manager in a different industry.

For the most part, I have enjoyed my time as Quality Manager. I've even thought I would like to try my hand at consulting some day. I guess I've stayed in that field mainly because, like you said, the salary is decent.

Hank
:)

Mickeyman said:

I'd like to say I got into QC because of the destructive testing aspect - breaking things is fun! -


YEA YEA --- Spent several years in a hydraulic test cell for my previous employer. Its amazing how far hot oil will spray under 4500psi.


Mickeyman said:

I have a touch of OCD and having harnessed it for the powers of good instead of evil, getting up on monday mornings is now just as easy as the rest of the week.....

OCD -- Darn I wish I'd have thought of it in my origional post. I guess we all need a little OCD to survive in this business. Helps in dealing with the anal-retentive types.

James

I got into quality through, of all possible avenues, sales, hardware. Had a major account, foriegn military, that was very high on quality. However, the company I was working for was very high on profit. Purchasing got a bonus on the amount saved between what they spent and sales budgeted. Needless to say I left that company. Next place had no quality system, but wanted customers that required one. Guess who took care of it. Couple of years later ISO 9000 came out and its all been downhill from there.

I have chosen my line of work because I want to do it.

It's extremly important to me to be able to feel that I make a difference. My interest in improvement work was triggered by my very first job after school. It just so happened that the company in question was a genuine rats nest where no one had a clue about quality (Yes, I left before they went bankrupt). That factor decided my career to this day.

And James: Good thread... We can all use some positive thinking....

/Claes

JRKH said:

Thought I'd start something a little lighter. Several threads recently have really hammered on the negative side of our profession. But We're still in it. Why?

Your background is a lot like mine. I was a machine operator, got an associates degree and took a job as a quality auditor. Didn't have a clue what a quality auditor did, but it was an office job. From there have moved back and forth from production to quality for 17 years. (That will screw your head up):confused: But, I happen to be good at this, although I think the frustration level was less in production. At least there, people had to listen a little since you made the product and the money. I heard it said that no one retires as a quality manager, they either die young or change professions. Not sure which category I will end up in. But I will give it my all as long as I am here. :thedeal:

1975-79 Great math teachers - lousy science teachers. Always thought I'd be a teacher. graduated in '79
78-79 Over abundance of "teachers" due to vietnam exemptions - probably better off in the engineering field - but due to above hated that I was un-inspired by science, ended up in Industrial Administration. Good fit between liking math and hating science.
1984 - Graduated BS IA and hired as CGIT (college graduate in training) Still liked math so went for local masters in applied math. (i.e., applied and industrial statistics) Learn about quality and worked in the field of applied math)
84-99 Played the game of employee, worked in reliability, as mfg QA, introduced APQP to facility, was QS mgmt rep and gave birth to 3 kids and decided to venture out on my own.

1999 - current - individual employeed with a target market of small operations that can used a simple and ISO QA system.

Bottom line - liked math, Deming and my education hit at the same time, and here I am....

I entered the lovely world of ISO and QMS's at 19. It was summer break and I had survived my first year of Engineering. The job was with a manufacturer of printing inks and the QA Manager says I got the job because he liked my definition of ISO 9000 during my job interview. When he asked me to define the 1987 version I said, "All that matters is consistency. You can produce consistent crap and still become registered." :)

I started developing that organization's QMS during that summer and when I left in the fall to return to school, the QMS programme was put on hold until I returned the following summer. It took three summers for them to attain their registration, but it was a wonderful experience being involved from the beginning.

Other jobs in the actual Engineering field, I've had, but I always return to the realm of QA. It *is* a challenge. *Never* boring. And *always* entertaining. The pay is, however, dependent upon the industry that one is in and the steel industry is not known for having a high pay cheque. On the flip side, though, this industry is relatively stable when it comes to job security.

My experience with ISO has ranged from inks to plastic to building buses and now manufacturing steel. Either way, I like the dirty environment of manufacturing. I've had some opportunities to enter the clean world of pharmaceuticals and telecommunications, but I'd rather be in a hard hat and steel toes than a hair net and booties! :vfunny:

I figure by the time I hit 30, I will be (almost) ready to head out on my own. I should have the contacts by then...knock on wood. Of course, life never goes according to plan, so while I say I'll be consulting at 30, who knows where I'll be. As long as I've got a challenging job that provides me with variety and rewarding experiences, I'll be happy! :D

How in the world did I get here....

I'm still trying to figure that out...someone must have changed a roadsign because I'm sure I went the wrong way.

It was 24 years ago 5/11 (a little Beatles twist) that I walked into our plant at 10:30pm along with 11 others. Our mission was to earn a paycheck, not launch a career. I guess everyone else listened because by the third night I was the only one left from the group. Who knew?

During that time I've worked production, set-up, maintenance, prototype, quality, and a little supervision. I've run thermoformers, tenoners, tape routers, gang saws, multi-drills, presses and programmed ASEA robots to do things they were never intended to do. I've laughed, cried, bled (too many times, but I still have ten digits) swore and generally enjoyed myself.

To which I can give you one simple answer about how I got into quality. I got traded! (at least that's what I was told). We were originally (lab) part of R&D. Yeah, we did all the testing for the quality department for the products we produced, but we also did quite a bit of research testing so they stuck us in that group.

About three years ago, my boss quit along with his two techs. Goodbye R&D. Three weeks later, the lab manager takes disability for health reasons. So our department went from six to two. So, we split the manager responsibilities between us and kept on going. Well, someone decided we needed a boss, so they stuck us with QA. Happy Land as we like to call it.

Gee, thanks JRKH. Thought the mind would block everything out after all these years. Maybe I'm being punished or maybe I am just a mascochist... :smokin:

Okay, my turn. We did this before in a thread called” Who are we?” Just not as extensive.

After completing 4 years active duty in the Navy’s Aviation wing, as a reciprocating engine mechanic, applied for an assembler’s position at a prominent Helicopter manufacturer. No openings for a reciprocating engine assembler. (Nose Picker) “How would you like to try Inspection? Do you have any Inspection experience?” “Sure, I used to inspect aircraft before each flight.”
Yea, right. Check the tires, struts, gas and oil, clean the canopy and help the pilot strap in. This smart HR person started me in fuselage construction Inspection. Aft, mid, forward, tail and cockpit departments. Spent two years in the Hydraulic Servo room where the aircraft’s power steering units were built. Double Inspection-Flight Critical. Out to the Final line where the flight controls and engine controls were installed. Again, double Inspection, Flight Critical. For 4 ½ years, then a 10 month layoff. Govt wage and price freeze. Nixon. Remember him?
Started over again as an Inspector for a company that built critical life support equipment for Nuke Boats. Actually, it was their main supply of oxygen when submerged. You submariners know it as the Oxygen Generator. In almost 19 years, I progressed from Inspector, Chief Inspector, Quality Control Supervisor to Quality Control Manager.
Got bored, disenchanted and tried another stint as a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer for a well-known aircraft supplier that was getting into the Navy business. After a year, 400 employees were laid off due to declining orders. Guess who was first? When I started there were 12,000 bodies. They are currently down to 5,000+. Hey, win some lose some.
Another 10 months out of work at age 49.
Started over again as a Quality Engineer. That was the advertised position. It was really a hands on Inspector, Safety Manager and Quality Manager when needed. That lasted for 8 years and Corporate decided to close our facility and send all our work to Colorado Springs. We were given 3 months to find other work. Through contacts, there was an opening for a Management Rep. at an aircraft supplier of sheet metal products. What the **** was a Mgt Rep? 18 months there and I got a chance to go back to my current position as Inspector, Safety and Environmental Manager. Oh yeah, Quality Manager when they need one. The brains of the outfit that was closed down, got all his key personnel together with some financial backing and started up this current business. I guess he likes me because he offered a substantial increase in my salary. And, I get to be one of those Mgt Reps, again. What exactly is that?
In spite of the ups and downs, Quality has always been a way of life for this tired old dog. Two grown children, 33 and 29 yrs old and 3 Grandchildren and the same wife of, soon to be 37 years. Not bad.

And I agree with the earlier post. It sure beats working for a living.
:bonk: :ko: :smokin:

My story is short and sweet. No quality or inspection background.

Hired by a registrar as an account manager and to help get the ISO 14001 product line launched in the US. Branched into various other roles in the company. 4 years there.

Recruited by my present company to build a QMS. Ground up. Which is quite a task for someone who's never been on this side of registration before. I learn as I go along.

And that's how I fell into quality.

Must be doing something right, because my boss told me that if he ever went to another company he would take me along as QM *at any price*!!
He says that I have a natural instinct for what a QM is supposed to be. Well, if that's the case I wish I could explain it to all the people who look at me with blank faces when I say I'm a quality manager. :vfunny: Huh? Quality management? What's that?

Hummmm, how did we get here???

I ask myself that daily:biglaugh:

I started out studying to be an architect. I needed money to go to school, so I worked for one of the firms in the city and did all of the specifications and interior decorating schemes. I didn't make much (working part time and going to school) so I became a design manager at a mid-size building contractor. Part of my responsibility was to work with (actually pretty much be an additional) construction manager. From there I went to a large fabricator in the engineering dept. I got tired of being a peon with no place to go after (too many) years, and transferred to a sister division as a lab tech and quality system documentation specialist.

From there I pretty much created my own position. I found early on that I was bored to death as a lab tech and I really enjoyed creating electronic methods to eliminate long mathematical equations. I started automating things and became lead technician of the lab, then added management rep when the ISO drive started.

The rest, as they say is history. I hit the top of my payscale and moved on to the next division as the head of quality systems.

I have talked to many people about how they got into quality and the vast majority ended up in this field by accident, not by design!

I was an Art major in college (believe it or not, the creation of art is a process, and I had one wonderful design professor who taught me more about process control than any ASQ course ever did). My first career path was in electronic component sales. (AS being a full time artist didn't pay very well) In the early 80's a semiconductor manufacturer we represented got into Crosby in a big way and made stunning changes in how they did business. By the mid 80's they were bringing Quality College out to the field sales organization and it was light a ray of sunshine shone down from the heavens! It all made great sense. I pitched doing a TQM program to my management and they bought into it in a very large way. I went from Sales to QI, and was thoroughly hooked.

Because I was successful getting the QI process going, I also got assigned the task of getting us ISO certified in the early 90s. After the business was sold and moved elsewhere, I moved into quality assurance and regulatory affairs for a medical devices manufacturer who needed both ISO and the Medical Devices CE Mark for it's products. Fascinating field, but regulatory affairs is grueling.

However, I find I like the creativity of continuous improvement, so I moved to a position 2 years ago where I am doing both QI and QA.

Mickeyman, you are so right about it being a touch of OCD! My whole family is risk averse, and we've all found jobs where managing risk is a large factor.

I was happily going about my business as an engineering technician when my boss suggested that I take on the responsibilities for our plant's calibration system. I foolishly agreed to the extra responsibility without any change in status. (It was only supposed to take up 1/3 of my time) Two years later, the plant manager decided it was time for a reorg and put the calibration responsibilities back in the Quality department. I was given the choice of staying in Engineering or moving to Quality with the calibration system. I still don't know if I made the right choice, but I'm with the Quality department and still attached to the calibration system. I have branched off some into internal auditing and documentation. I guess the reason I stick it out is that I like to find (hopefully not create) problems and fix them. Someday I will have to determine whether I will go full force down the Quality pipeline or try to swing back into the Engineering world.:)

An 'oldie but goodie - Nick Savich - may be joining us again for a while. For those of you who don't remember Nick, see: This OLD (!) Post (http://Elsmar.com/cgi-bin/board.cgi?read=2895).

If you make it back, Nick, Welcome! :bigwave: Happy to hear from you!

Now - if we could only pry Don Winton out of the woodwork... I haven't heard from Jim Stewart for a while now, either. Ah, yearning for the 'good old days'...

:rolleyes:

Please take a minute and vote. If the Cove forums have helped you, please take a minute and click "Post Reply" and tell me how. Even if you're very new to the Cove Forums, I would really like to know! :thedeal:

And to think the forums are still up and running - the forums going for about 4.5 years now!! AND What an evolution in software, huh?

I've gone through 4 ISPs since January 1996. I feel like playing the Greatful Dead song "Truckin' " wherein they sing What a long, strange trip it's been! For those of you who were hanging around back in August - December 2001, you'll know what I'm talking about as that was a very trying time for several of us....

Well, you know how it is... A bit of Reminiscing :D

Energy is a relative newcomer. God knows what ever happened to Al Dyer (see the road kill Thread, if I remember correctly, for the 'personals'....).

Don Winton faded into darkness and remains a ghost. A wonderful resource, I was sad to see Don fade away. Almost a Shakespearian drama to those of use who 'knew' Don.

Kevin Mader has taken Don's academic place (My gratitude to Kevin for his continued input), but Don's FDA and medical device knowledge is sorely missed.

Oh well, on with the show! :thedeal:

Marc

PS: I'm not fishing for accolades herein. Just reminiscing and looking to the future of the Cove. If you have any ideas, post a reply and I'll consider it.

For those of you who care, see the following link to see the 'Next version' of Forums software. IF they ever release it....:confused: Check out his link (http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/).

My thanks to everyone who contributes their experiences and knowledge in the Elsmar Cove Forums!

Well, I'm not at all certain about when I actually found the forums. It was probably back in 1999, but I was a slow starter when it came to joining and posting. I spent a good while just reading and sifting through the site, and finally joined in May 2000. Today I cannot imagine what made me wait so long???

If the forums have been helpful to me? I'll say they have... More or less any question you care to put forward is answered by helpful and professional people.

Apart from getting answers to your questions, you have to think things through when you take part in the discussions. That is perhaps the most valuable aspect of being active here. My everyday work has clearly benefited from that.

On top of it all, I have also made many friends here.

/Claes

I found the Cove through a co-worker (Carp) back in either 2000 or 2001. I registered and forgot my Username. So, I re-registered under an easier one to remember. That was before Marc "cleaned the board".

The best thing about the Cove is the diversity of opinion and application. It has taught me to think in less conventional terms in meeting the "letter" of the law, so the intent can be fulfilled in the manner that meets the organization the best.

I enjoy reading all the views and learning from all the knowledge and experience of the members. Everyone is really helpful.

Hey Marc,

I just wished I had found it sooner. It would have made my first registration effort much easier.

The Cove is an important tool in my toolbox. The folks here have made me look a whole lot smarter than I am by giving terrific guidance and advice over the years. The Cove is a great example of Cooperative Learning, and it is this cooperative learning that makes us all a little better.

Comparing it to other forums out there, the ease of navigation, flexibility of format options, and in general, a great bunch of contributors makes this site hard to top! Thanks for making it happen in the first place and continuing to make it happen.

Regards,

Kevin

At my last ill-fated place of employment, started there in September 2000, I searched the net for ISO related websites. The Cayman Cove came up and I’ve been here since November 2000.
One of the hardest things for a new member to do is make that first post. Swallow that nervousness and do it.
The second hardest thing to do is to separate the wheat from the chaff. As a newbee, some of us tend to be quite prone to taking advice at face value and not looking at the practical applications of such advice. Some suggestions were someone’s opportunity to display their mental superiority over the masses without a chance of implementation in the real world. Personally, I gravitated towards the working stiff that posted sparsely and when they did, it was good usable stuff. The ability to send Private messages and regular e-mail was, sometimes, more valuable than the regular threads. The unsung heroes, to me, are the members who refrain from daily posting and offer assistance behind the scenes when they think it’s really needed. There’s quite a network of activity that occurs simultaneously as other members are posting in the Forums. The names remain Private because that's what it is. Private. I can't say Thank You" enough to those members who have used that method to assist others without the fanfare. You know who you are. I can also understand not wanting to engage the "Critic's Panel".:confused:

I also have to thank Marc for allowing me to stay on when things spiraled out of control. You’ll notice that I don’t assume complete responsibility for past breaches of what has been determined as “bad” behavior. There were reasons, but this weak mind couldn’t articulate them in a manner acceptable for some. We’ll leave it at that.

The Cove is part of my life, now. I look forward to logging in and always use the “View New Posts since your last visit” function. As I said, I read them all. Some quicker than others, because I’m not interested in Sick Sigma. :vfunny:
If for some reason Marc decides to call it a day, I will miss the Cove and those acquaintances that have helped me to understand why we do what we do and how to do it better. But, I retained some of those important e-mail addresses, just in case. Long live the Cove. :agree: :smokin:

Marc said "If the Cove forums have helped you, please take a minute and click "Post Reply" and tell me how."

Let me count the ways... Well, let's just say "lots of ways".

My first post was a question. I thought I knew the right answer, but I had no one readily available to bounce the question off of. Finding the Cove gave me that opportunity in spades! In one post I could "bounce" my question off of hundreds of brilliant quality pros of differing experience, perspectives, and philosophies. I never see any question posted here that doesn't get some kind of answer or response. I am positive any Q question I have in the future will get a satisfactory answer here. And it is free, so no wrangling with management over 'cost/benefit analysis' for purchasing a subscription to something. What more could one ask for? That, as someone else said, is one VERY powerful tool for the old toolbox.

It is a confidence builder to see that your thoughts on something are shared by others, or, if they are differing, that you can learn the error of your ways or at least look at a different perspective and realize there are several "right" ways to skin the proverbial cat. Remember back when you were doing algebra homework and you solved a problem but you had to wait until the next class period to see if you had the right answer? If you found you had the right answer, it was a confidence booster right off; if you had the wrong answer you at least got to see how to do it the correct way, so it was a win either way.

Sometimes I don't even realize how much I don't know. I've long felt that in a strange kinda way, the more you learn the dumber you feel you are as you realize more and more how much you don't know. Issues are brought up here that I never thought to ask. The Cove is quite thought provoking.

There is also a sense of accomplishment that comes with helping others with a problem. As a bonus, answering others' questions forces you to stay sharp, do a little research, and go into issues you otherwise might have forgotten about. The Cove helps keep me from getting too rusty.

Finally, I feel I have made a few "friends" here. While we may have never shared a beer together in person, there are folks here whom I would be happy to imbide with.

I hope the Cove lives on for many, many years. Its existence makes us better as individuals, and it makes the Q profession and business in general better. No one will ever be able to accurately quantify the total benefit of the Cove, but I'll bet it is MUCH greater than almost anyone here would ever guess.

As far as ideas... It's tough to improve from here, but here are a few ideas since you sked:

The search engine that drives the "view posts since your last visit" search etc. sometimes seems to get fooled and will list posts as being new even though they were posted days ago. Don't know if this is fixable or not.

Since unemployment seems to be a problem these days, perhaps a forum thread specifically aimed at helping folks without Q jobs get Q jobs would be helpful. Advice. "Classified" resume postings maybe? Would it get too unmanageable? I don't know -- just an idea tossed out for consideration.

Thanks for the Cove, Marc.
:bigwave:

it's bretty much impossible to list all of the ways that I have been helped through the cove. But for sure, it is an excellent place to see what others are doing, and realizing that whatever has happened today in my little world, someone else is going through it or has survived it.

There is a huge amount of talent here and a lot of participants kinda feel like family, some of them the kind you admit to, some of them not....Just Kidding, don't take it personnally anybody!

I actually lurked for a number of years before I registered and participated. Stupid of me wasn't it?

Thanks Marc for providing us this space and thanks to all of the participants for the excellent advice, jokes, and day to day sagas of the quality professionals.

The company I work for started seeking ISO 9001 early in 1997. We were getting close to finishing our procedures when in mid-1998 it was realized our computer system (Wang) would not make the century change. All resources were directed to getting new hardware and replacement software. Our new ERP software obsoleted many of our procedures and related work instructions. We picked up our ISO pursuit late 2000, but other projects stemming from new product design and release to new production equipment over shadowed ISO. To make a long story short, we finally received our registration certificate 1/2/2003, just yesterday. During the process of setting up our quality system I was coming to the Cove, since 1999, to see what other people were doing and suggesting for a sound Quality Management System. I feel the information received here has help provide a sound base for our system. ISO may not be a panacea, but it forced us to look at our processes and improve on them. Thank you, Marc, for providing the world with this forum and thank all of you that post.

This place has been a valuable resource for me. The help that I have received, both public and private, has been amazing. I only hope that I have been able to help some people and have the opportunity to help others in the future.

Hi, everyone.

I just realized that today completes my first year on the Cove (registered 1/4/02). It has been great! This is a pretty amazing group.

Thanks, Marc, for maintaining one of the best Quality Learning tools around.

One thing that really took guts was Marc letting the "contemplating war" thread continue like it did, even though I suspect that he didn't agree at all with some of what was said. Even there, it is clear that there are some smart, thoughtful, people at the Cove.

Thanks to my fellow Covers for your thoughts, and your sense of humor!

Craig

This place is like a comfortable pair of shoes. Where else can one come and mingle with some of the sharpest minds in the quality field from all over the world (ok, some of us are not that sharp) and not feel looked down upon for asking what some might say is a stupid question.

It is like a family. I enjoy reading the many ways all of us interpret the same thing. We'll probably never meet on the street, but I think I've gotten to know many of you through Mark's extrordinary sight. Can't imagine a work day without coming here.



Thanks Marc. This round is on me!

and not feel looked down upon for asking what some might say is a stupid question

I'm not so certain I totally agree with that statement, Ken. I've seen us get almost abusive to folks from time to time. But Marc, or one of the Moderators normally steps in and settles us down.

I dont know how many others out there have felt isolated, even in a large organisation, working in the quality arena. Its a profession of high ideals that reality always seems to fail to reach, to lesser or more often greater extent.

Thank heavens we can come here for a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board, to vent off steam, and to learn.

I find this place much like a religious person might find their place of worship, a sanctury where faith can be restored.

I humbly apologise for the occasional scrap I have got in to, but the other fella started it, honest :biglaugh:

It is my resolution this year to get my posting down as I am hopelessly addicted to this place - thanks all.

I found this site in 1999 when first venturing out on my own. What a find! This site has taken the place of commiserating with my quality peers at my previous employer. At first faceless names, and now thanks to avitars - some have faces! I have learned more here, or been inspired to go off and learn more because of the insight initiated by another cove member.

Its also served as keeping me company as I work out of my home office, and has led to professional contacts and opportunities.
Folks here have the latest and greatest information and share willingly. We've all tried and failed, or tried and succeeded and feel free to share our successes and failures. And I'm sure the jokes are better because most corps have filtered or threatened employment for emailing jokes.

Marc - you didn't ask for accolades - but I'll tell you what - we're so accustom to visiting your home daily, that we probably don't realize or appreciate nearly enough what it takes.

Long live the Cove.

Laura

I appreciate the replies. And others reading this thread, I do hope you take a minute to 'Vote'.

Laura, I wasn't really looking for accolades so much as confirmation of the mission of the site. There are a lot of things going on and i remember the change where we 'loosened the rules' which was between August and December 2001.

One thing that really took guts was Marc letting the "contemplating war" thread continue like it did, even though I suspect that he didn't agree at all with some of what was said. Even there, it is clear that there are some smart, thoughtful, people at the Cove.

I started it and I believe I have allowed others to state their opinions as well. I admit I used to be a lot more rigid and argumentative, yet I still retain some of that obstinance (as Jim Wade, Energy, Al Dyer and a few other know...) So it goes...

My main interest here is to find out who are recurrent visitors and what people are getting out of the forums. Sometimes I sit here at the keys and think about the site and its future. The site is seeing 2000 to 3000 visitors a day now - pretty interesting.

Anyway, I appreciate the replies and look forward to more.

Marc

I think I accidently stumbled onto the Cove in '99. I was trying to find out some information in ISO 14001 by doing a YAHOO search and hit the "Mother Lode".

In a previous life, I was documentation clerk/trainer for the Quality Department of a manufacturing company that sold primarily to the automobile industry. In December of 2001 my position was eliminated, but by June of this year I had landed the position of ISO coordinator for a much smaller company in the same field. I had been familiar with QS9000, having maintained the documentation for several years, but this company had decided to pursue TS! Once I was online here, I did an internet search for help and found THE COVE – thank God for miracles ;). The wonderful people here have been a big help to me and this small company – thanks to all and to you, Marc, for maintaining such a fantastic source for those of us who are undertaking this certification with so little experience/expertise.

Sue

P.S. We were scheduled for the big audit in late December, but it was postponed until February as several key managers were on medical leave. I am hopeful that will pass – thanks to the information obtained here.

M Greenaway said:

I dont know how many others out there have felt isolated, even in a large organisation, working in the quality arena. Its a profession of high ideals that reality always seems to fail to reach, to lesser or more often greater extent.

Thank heavens we can come here for a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board, to vent off steam, and to learn.

I find this place much like a religious person might find their place of worship, a sanctury where faith can be restored.
---X---

I couldn't agree more, Martin. That is exactly the way I feel too. Well said.

/Claes

Wel I am definitely a newbie to the group, but I have been around long enough to know that this site is one of the best assets I have. I have been helped by so many of you with many problems ( Some by asking questions and sometimes by searching threads) I have enjoyed the challenge of putting my opinions out there and getting reaction. I don't see it as anyone being harsh, I view it as all of you keeping me on my feet and thinking. I have been working with ISO/Qs for seven years now and until now had no one to bounce my ideas off of. So thank you to all of you.

Angela:)

For someone who came from the registration side of knowing the verbage of the standard, but not necessarily the day to day application of it, this site is everything I've needed. I've found multiple ways of doing things in industries that I'll probably never work in, but it gives me a better understanding of how companies work and how there are many many ways to accomplish the same thing. And it gave me the confidence to know that the QMS I developed was "valid" and would work precisely as intended. And better than that are the people who came to my direct aid in writing procedures for things in which I had no practical experience or knowledge.

I come for the knowledge. I stay for the people.

Marc said:

I started it and I believe I have allowed others to state their opinions as well. I admit I used to be a lot more rigid and argumentative, yet I still retain some of that obstinance (as Jim Wade, Energy, Al Dyer and a few other know...) So it goes...

Marc

I beg your pardon. :p Watch it, Buster, or I just might have to tell them what a big softy you really are. Thanks again, Cheech!

Bill

Reading through the posts, I find that in most instances, I might have written them myself. I do find it interesting that we all have similar stories. Martin’s comments are right to the point: until I found the Cove, I was relatively lost. It is nice to be found with such good company around. This does feel more to me like a family than a community. I hear different voices while reading your posts. I even add the accents for those of you from other parts of the world. Mike S’s comments are terrific. If I thought I knew about something, I could come here to find out that I only knew jack. That is why for me the cooperative learning is so important.

Think about it: has a quality related question been posed to you where you thought you wouldn’t be able to find the answer? Before here, I certainly would feel that way from time-to-time. Now though, I might say, “I’ll get back to you on that” but know that I’ll get more of an answer than they bargained for from the resources (family members?) here.

Angela made the comment about learning from the “Search” function here. It is a terrific tool, especially when the answer you seek was given from some of the best contributors here at the Cove. Although Don Winton doesn’t visit often or participate, his knowledge and wonderful ability to articulate live on in the archives. You should give Don and a host of other past contributors the opportunity to help.

I suppose I could write about the benefits for days, but personally, I like reading your posts and nodding my head in agreement. I am so pleased we all have had a positive and pleasant (mostly) experiences here at the Cove.

Regards,

Kevin

I don’t remember when I joined the Cove. I think it was sometime around the time when all the dinosaurs died. Just kidding – just because Energy says I am “as old as dirt” doesn’t mean I’ve been in the Cove that long. If I had to guess I would say about 3 years.

I have relied on the Cove for information, for opinions of others in the quality field and for the companionship of others who feel the same pain. I feel the things I have taken from the Cove far outweigh what I could ever put in. The statements have already been made as to the generosity of the people here and I can only agree wholeheartedly.

I remember a time when Kevin nominated Marc for a well deserved ASQ Fellowship. The fact that Marc, by provision of this site, has done a great deal for the development of quality goes without challenge. He has given us an opportunity to “see” the other side of the ocean and the other side of the world. We have all learned alternative approaches to quality issues and to those of us willing to listen, new and creative quality tools. He has provided a place for the new to blend with the old, the novice to learn from the expert and the expert to learn form the novice.

I would like to publicly thank Marc for his dedication to this site and our profession. Without him and without the Cove, my job would be a lot harder and certainly a lot more boring. I would propose that we, as appreciative members, decree by unanimous acclimation, Marc Smith the inaugural Malcomb Balderdash Quality Man of the Year.

Dave

I second the motion made by the gentleman from Wellington, OH.!
:agree:

I found the Cove forums late in 1999 when I was searching for a quality-related discussion forum on the web. I was toying with the idea of starting a quality forum on my company website and wanted to find out what existed out there. Needless to say, after finding the Cove, I immediately gave up the idea!

I kept visiting the Cove and reading the posts but it was not until 19 March 2000 that I registered and posted my first question (http://16949.com/Forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=5053#post5053). I realized that this was not a place where you come once in a while with a question, get your answer and go away. I started posting fairly regularly from Oct/Nov 2000. My initial impression of the Cove being predominantly 'American', wore off as my posts were answered and occasionally appreciated. The 'family' kind of accepted and adopted me. (However, I did get a strange feeling recently, that - at least in one of the threads - a non-american viewpoint was probably not welcome. I hope I am completely wrong.) 'Stickiness' is said to be one of the parameters of gauging the success of a website. I don't know of a more 'sticky' site than the Cove. Cove is addicting.

There are a lot of very detailed discussions here about QMS in general and almost every clause from every standard. In comparison, there are hardly any discussions on specific 'tools'. IMHO, the Cove is somewhat lacking in this area. Among the things I can think of immediately are Kepner-Tregoe, Kano Model, Kirkpatrick's Model, Balanced ScoreCard, QFD, Taguchi & Shainin's Techniques, computer-aided training. Of course, a forums search would show a number of posts on these topics but I feel the discussions are not quite as exhaustive as could have been. I for one, am always looking for practitioners' viewpoints, case studies, and experiences in applying these and other tools to the field of quality. I am also a bit disappointed by a general dislike for Six Sigma.

It would be an understatement to say that the Cove has helped me. On the whole I would agree with the sentiment in this thread so far. It is a great learning experience. I don't think there any other place that gives away so much information without expecting anything in return. It certainly has broadened my perspective, reading about what are the trends and practices followed in countries other than mine. I log in to Cove several times every day and make it a point to read every post 'since my last visit'. I have tried to introduce the site to many people I know and have also brought in a few new members. I would be happy if I could contribute even a fraction of what I have gained.

I think the forums software is just great and can't really think of any additional feature.

I am constantly amazed at the rate at which the membership is growing. People coming to the Cove from all over the world. Yes, I do miss old members like Don Winton. I remember writing to Marc asking if he knew what happened to Don when his excellent site, dWizard's Lair disappeared from the cove.

Marc, I know you are not looking for accolades, but I think I do have a right to THANK YOU for building this excellent community. Whatever you decide about the future of the Cove, I would certainly like to continue to be a member.

I am not sure if I have been able to express myself fully or properly, but there it is - my two paise!

- Atul.

Atul Khandekar said:
---X---
I don't know of a more 'sticky' site than the Cove. Cove is addicting.---X---

There are a lot of very detailed discussions here about QMS in general and almost every clause from every standard. In comparison, there are hardly any discussions on specific 'tools'. IMHO, the Cove is somewhat lacking in this area. Among the things I can think of immediately are Kepner-Tregoe, Kano Model, Kirkpatrick's Model, Balanced ScoreCard, QFD, Taguchi & Shainin's Techniques, computer-aided training. Of course, a forums search would show a number of posts on these topics but I feel the discussions are not quite as exhaustive as could have been.
---X---


Yeah, I'll say the Cove is addictive - big time... But: It's a good thing when a good thing is addictive so to speak. :D

You mentioned tools, Atul. I'll have to agree there. I've been on about that too, and tried to get a discussion going in Preventive Action and Continuous Improvement: Improvement tools - Best practices. (http://www.qs9000.com/Forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5594). It started well, but fizzled after a while. I still think it's valid though. Anyone care to have another go at it?

/Claes

I happened across The Cove during a web search in June, '01. Energy hit the nail on the head by noting the "fear factor" of the first post. As I remember, Jim W., Mike G., Energy, and a few others were going at each other tooth and nail about something. It took me a month to actually sign up and post (and then it was on a topic I felt pretty comfortable with). I didn't get "beat up" and instantly became hooked.

I have not been deeply involved with setting up a QMS but now feel that I have the best resource available should I get the chance to either set up or maintain one (and the information is always up to date without needing to go buy another updated book!!!).

Although I feel humbled by my lack of knowledge while "surfing" some of the threads here, I am also comfortable enough to join the fray.

Marc, I have joined and read many other forums but not one of them comes close to The Cove for ease of use and the quality of responses received here. I echo all above with my thanks for this site and hope it stays around a good, long time.

Bill

Atul is spot on once again - we don't do enough on quality tools. It would be wonderful if we could devote some time to the tools that help us get our job done.

A lot of people, myself included, could really benefit from discussion of the different tools/techniques. As Atul says, not just an overview or an occasional post but something you could refer to almost as an ongoing "training course". What they are - how to use them - actual examples.

Claes made a good start but I personally find it hard to follow if all the tools are lumped together in a single thread. I would like to see Claes' start expanded to a seperate grouping where each tool could have its own thread and discussion. That way when I need information on QFD, I can go to that thread and "go to school".

Atul - I too hope you were wrong in your perception. We Americans do tend to get our backs up sometimes but I would hope we all welcome other viewpoints (although we may not agree with all of them). One of the wonderful things about the Cove is that it is introducing us to new ideas and, as you say, new family members. I am not sure that the dislike is for Six Sigma as much as for the "industry" created around six sigma. Most of us accept the use of tools and the discipline of the "system" as being important parts of our jobs. Some of us old guys have trouble with all the belts and the idea that this "new inovation" can only be understood by someone trained on a ranch by a Jedi master. BTW - for me, your posts are ALWAYS appreciated.

Dave

One additional benefit of the Cove, is that we get things to chew on that whe probably would not have thought about before. Just what is the best method of showing process interaction? Just what is a preventive action? With the diverse viewpoints and various viewpoints, I think each of us have found things to "chew on" from time to time. With some, it might have been nothing more than the roadkill thread. Get it.....chew on...roadkill......get it. :eek: :bonk:

Besides some profound thinking, we also have some good fun.

I found the cove sometime in 2001 while searching for information pertaining to a question someone had asked me about QS9000, and have been shamelessly using it as a source for information since. Somewhere in mid 2002 it became part of my daily routine to check in and read the latest threads. I finally registered last October. I still haven’t been able to get up the nerve to join in many of the threads that I enjoy reading, but who knows.

For myself, the function of the cove has changed from primarily being a resource for information to that of being a sort of safe haven, where you can find encouragement in the fact that you are not alone. I guess there must be something to the old adage: ‘Misery loves company’.

Anyway Marc, and all other regular’s who so freely express their opinions and expertise, please keep up the great work. Thanks

Mark L

D.Scott said:
---X---
Claes made a good start but I personally find it hard to follow if all the tools are lumped together in a single thread. I would like to see Claes' start expanded to a seperate grouping where each tool could have its own thread and discussion. That way when I need information on QFD, I can go to that thread and "go to school".

Atul ---X---BTW - for me, your posts are ALWAYS appreciated.

Dave

I think your idea about discussing each tool separately is the way to go. This is an area we need to discuss just as well as the various standards. Let's do it.

As for Atuls posts: I fully agree.

/Claes

Atul's comment on the lack of discussion on quality tools is very interesting, and very true.

My hunch is that a lot of people get into this arena from other functional disciplines and educational/experience backgrounds through a companies need to get ISO9001 certification. It like there is a realisation one day that 'we need ISO9001' and some poor sod from accounts, or wherever, gets tasked to find out about it and go away and do it.

As we know ISO9001 does not give us the tools to achieve any of the 'requirements' it wants us to have in place. As such knowledge of proven tools is perhaps somewhat scant, and as such there is little discussion on them.

I have tried to talk in terms of specific tools, such as the IDEF0 approach to process mapping, and prompted people to look at FMEA on numerous occasions. But such posts are often derided as being 'complex methods' which ISO9001 'doesnt actually require'.

Well. I tend to believe that while people working with quality issues wouldn't mind using these tools they still need the backing of the management, and they are not getting it.

How about this scenario?

Let's assume you propose to use a specific tool. You explain its operation and how you can benefit from it. It's blindingly obvious that you will be using manpower while doing it. The benefits may not be equally obvious. The management reacts by treating your proposal like a dead racoon, right? Right...

Because: No one will send you an invoice for the cost of unstructured work. And money is the one and only language understood all over the planet

Sounds familiar?

/Claes (stepping down from the soap box).

Separate discussions on "tools" sounds okay to me. The more info the better. I think though that "tools" threads may have gotten less than ideal traffic in the past because it is harder to explain/teach the use of Q tools in a post than to answer a question about a section of ISO and that it is easier to find other sources on tools (which tend to be a little less philosophical and open to interpretation). I would suggest starting with something on the simpler side to start and see how it goes.

Yes... I think you may be right. I suppose the best way to explain improvement tools would be by example?

/Claes

When I started my present job in Oct/2002, I had no idea QS9000 was heading out the door and a new standard was issued. I had taken a two year break from automotive and worked in the animal feed industry doing a HACCP (food industry quality standard)implementation. I had never heard of TS16949. So here I sat, QM of a start up company implementing a new standard and not a clue. A personal friend of mine (Xman to the cove) steered me in this direction and it has been my biggest resource yet. I found that different opinions on the same subject are invaluable. Anyhoo, thank you to anyone who ever made a post here, you have been my savour!:bigwave:


Allie

Okay, let's get down to the bottom line. I know Marc would never say this, but I will. I own several sites and I know that it cost $$$ to run and pay for the bandwidth. So......

How much do you REALLY appreciate this site? To help out visit this thread:

http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3597


Put your money where your accolades are. (yes, I did).

Atul Khandekar said:

My initial impression of the Cove being predominantly 'American', wore off as my posts were answered and occasionally appreciated. The 'family' kind of accepted and adopted me. (However, I did get a strange feeling recently, that - at least in one of the threads - a non-american viewpoint was probably not welcome. I hope I am completely wrong.)
There are biased (ignorant) people everywhere. I have strived to ensure that EVERY individual, regardless of nationality or other 'typecasting', is welcome here. You are an integral part of our 'family' and have been for quite a while. We are people doing our jobs and let's face it - politics, while some discussions are tolerated in individual threads, is not an issue in our professional discussions.

Our governments play politics and tell us who we should trust, etc., but the reality is as individuals - face - to face - so to speak, politics is not an issue. People helping people is non-political.

Your involvement is appreciated. :thedeal:

Thank you Dave, Claes and Marc for your comments.

I think a little clarification on my part is in order.
When I said 'American', I did not mean it in any 'political' sense at all. I was just referring to the fact that majority of the members and top posters (with the exception of Howard Atkins and a couple others) came from the american continent. As I have said I soon realized that I was indeed wrong as I found that the discussions were truly professional, not focused only on local issues and that all views were/are welcome. Now of course, we have a lot more representation from other countries as well. We also have a Spanish language forum.

Marc said:
... but the reality is as individuals - face - to face - so to speak, politics is not an issue. People helping people is non-political.

Quite true! In an open international quality forum like this one, I would not like to participate in a political and/or religious discussions beyond a certain limit. This is just my personal choice.

Regards,

- Atul.

Marc - thanks for staying with this forum for so long. It has been a great, great benefit to me. It has been very helpful to get input from so many other people that are much smarter at this than I am! I started visiting this site back in 1997 and have benefited from it ever since.

Marc said:

There are biased (ignorant) people everywhere.

Marc,

For the record I'd like to say that I think there is a big difference between bias and ignorance. The dictionary says bias is "a preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment" while ignorance is "Lacking education or knowledge; unaware or uninformed". I am biased on many issues, as are you, but that does not necessarily make us ignorant on those same issues. JMO.

Mike, I submit that sometimes it is our ignorance that creates our bias. Other times our bias springs out of our intelligence and/or understanding.

And bias is not always bad. I have several routes to travel to and from work. My bias leads me to the dirt roads that are less traveled, and more serene. It might take me longer (no time-bias), but I arrive home (or at work) in a much more relaxed state.

db,

Agreed. I think you just restated the last line of my previous post, perhaps more clearly. :agree:

I think you've figured me out Mike. I take something someone else said, restate it and present it as if it is an original idea. I'm busted now!!:eek:

Atul Khandekar said:

My initial impression of the Cove being predominantly 'American', wore off as my posts were answered and occasionally appreciated. The 'family' kind of accepted and adopted me. (However, I did get a strange feeling recently, that - at least in one of the threads - a non-american viewpoint was probably not welcome. I hope I am completely wrong.) - Atul.

Atul,

I've read this and wanted to respond right away, but I kept on reading and stayed out. I, just one of many, value your posts and you must know that. I'm also vary curious about what recent thread(s) gave you the impression that non-american vewpoints are not welcome. Was it the banter back and forth between the Yanks and the Brits? Was it the "War" thread? I saw no other threads where people would get that impression. I see the words bias and ignorance thrown out from Marc as a result of your concern. Help me understand where this feeling came from. The Yanks and the Brits thing was more about personalities than country of origin. The "War" thread is a US vs. Them thread because it is a "War" thread. Personally, I say "Let's do it, yesterday!". I don't consider it enough to show a disdain for non-americans. Help me out here, my good man! I remain a fan. :agree: :smokin:

Mike S. said:

For the record I'd like to say that I think there is a big difference between bias and ignorance. The dictionary says bias is "a preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment" while ignorance is "Lacking education or knowledge; unaware or uninformed". I am biased on many issues, as are you, but that does not necessarily make us ignorant on those same issues. JMO.

My experience is that in most cases (including mine) bias comes from ignorance of some or all of the facts. With (from?) facts comes opinion and preference replacing bias. Just my way of seeing things, but you are right.

Roger Eastin said:

Marc - thanks for staying with this forum for so long. It has been a great, great benefit to me. It has been very helpful to get input from so many other people that are much smarter at this than I am! I started visiting this site back in 1997 and have benefited from it ever since.

Thanks for visiting for so long and for being a great moderator!

Marc,
If you don't mind, one question, out of my curiosity:
What were your thoughts/objective when you started this forum? Looking back now, how much do you think is achieved?

Rgds,
-Atul.

Let me guess: Did it by any chance exceed your expectations? This site is a great acievement.

/Claes

Marc probably started it because it's the only way people will talk to him. :vfunny:

Sorry to take so long to reply. I don't get to check things out much any more...

Ummm, when I started the forums I posted the site 'Mission Statement' and it has not changed.

See http://elsmar.com/entry2.html

How much have I achieved? The site has been up 7 years now and next January 5th it will be 8 years with a domain name. Still here. Roughly 3000 different people stop by each day (many of which arrive, I am sure, searching for other things) according to site logs. I think I've fostered a lot of communication and sharing over the last 7 years.

Works for me! And still no idiot ads or popups!

Did I achieve my goal(s)? I never really had a goal. The internet was still somewhat new and I was playing around. Learning HTML and such. When I started it I was hard coding everything in a text editor. WYSIWYG editors like PageMill and SiteMill came along making thiings relatively easy. Then came perl scripts. Then php and MySQL.

But the site has stayed relatively simple and 'homey' and fun.

If I have a goal it is to keep the forums going for a few more years. And in large part this poll came from that end. That is, how many people hang out here and how long have some of the 'hard core' been around.

Randy said:

Marc probably started it because it's the only way people will talk to him. :vfunny:

Maybe that's why alot of us are here - ha ha

Hi all,

I was just thinking, what ever happened to some of the Cove members that don't hang around any more....

What ever happened to..

Eileen Wall - I know she is still a moderator, but we don't hear from her very often.

Michael T - Where did he go

JKRH - Jim was his name, I think

And of course I'm sure there are others that go wayyyyyyy back.

Funny thought for a boring Monday!

CarolX

I came back Carol!!!

Al...:bigwave:

Eileen Wall recently e-mailed me saying she doubts she'll be back very often so soon I'll be taking her off the moderators listing. No details but a personal injury and very busy to boot. A sincere loss to the forums. Eileen contributed and helped out a lot.

There was once Don Winton - he'll be remembered for quite a few years.

People come and go. Remember the forums have been online for quite a few years. People move on...

Hi all,

I was just thinking, what ever happened to some of the Cove members that don't hang around any more....

JKRH - Jim was his name, I think
Off hand, I think James posted recently in the humor thread about some very funny questions asked of Australians. As for the others, like Marc said, we come and go! Abstinance makes the heart grow fonder?
:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

Geez Energy, Abstinance from what makes the heart grow fonder?

I went to live in Ohio for two years and when I got back there was no abstinance in my heart, only deviate thoughts concerning my wife.

Are we talking Abstinance or Absence?

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :bigwave:

Al

Marc said:

Eileen Wall recently e-mailed me saying she doubts she'll be back very often so soon I'll be taking her off the moderators listing. No details but a personal injury and very busy to boot. A sincere loss to the forums. Eileen contributed and helped out a lot.

There was once Don Winton - he'll be remembered for quite a few years.

People come and go. Remember the forums have been online for quite a few years. People move on...
------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, Yes, Yes. Eileen is one of the people that tempered some of my earlier posts and tried to keep me on the straight and narrow. I'm sure I was not the only one she tried to keep in-line. She surely is a lady that will be missed.

At one time I received a message that said only, "Don't you think you are better than that". Those type of words stick with a person and lead to personal growth.

Al...

energy said:

Off hand, I think James posted recently in the humor thread about some very funny questions asked of Australians.

That was actually me rather than JKRH (another Jim), and I am quite honored to be mistaken for him.

JKRH was a wonderful contributor during my early days at the Cove (98-99) and I and a lot of others owe him a great deal.

Michael T has been around lately - said a few things a couple weeks ago.

Marc - do you know what happened to Don - he was full of wisdom on the hard core stats stuff if I remember correctly.

I haven't checked his website lately.

WALLACE Tait hasn't made an appearance for a long time.
Haven't seen Dave Scott in the last 15 days or so.

Marc, any idea what happened to Don Winton's excellent website- d'Wizards Lair?

It's sort of ironic you posted this Carol. On another outdoor message board I frequent, someone started a similar thread about a regular who nobody heard from for awhile. I think everyone enjoyed reading his posts and there were probably 50 replies to this thread wondering where he was.

Well, everyone only knew him by his handle, schnoopus. Nobody knew his real name. Finally, someone did a search and he did put his name down as Ron on one post. Well, about a week ago someone who once met him posted his last name and then a couple of days later this guys obituary showed up. Seems he died in a car crash on December 21st while coming home from ice fishing.

You know, we come here every day almost and we really don't know too much about anybody we interact with. We could pass them on the street and not know it. Sort of sad in a way.

It does make you wonder where some of the regulars do go.

James Gutherson said:

That was actually me rather than JKRH (another Jim), and I am quite honored to be mistaken for him.

JKRH was a wonderful contributor during my early days at the Cove (98-99) and I and a lot of others owe him a great deal.

James,
I'm embarassed because you provided me with some excellent file references that I intended to plagarize until my demise. So, you're not the one behind the cockpit of the airplane? That may explain why we haven't heard from him? Nice to see you again and I know you forgive me. Those real answers to tourists questions to Australia were hilarious. I copied them and sent them on. Peace, James.
:agree:

No need for apologies or peace energy (or are you on such a roll now that you can't stop:biglaugh: )

I was in no way offended, in fact quite cuffed to be held up in the same light as JKRH (and I remember the aircraft pictures well). I just wanted to clear things up.

:bigwave:

Laura M said:

Michael T has been around lately - said a few things a couple weeks ago.

Marc - do you know what happened to Don - he was full of wisdom on the hard core stats stuff if I remember correctly.

I haven't checked his website lately.

Don and I had a chat a few years back. Bottom line is his life changed dramatically. Don just sorta dropped out and got on with life, so to speak, but in another direction.

He did come back for a while - would stop in every couple of months - up until last year some time. I forget the alias he used. He never posted, just visited.

Don's web site is long gone and I don't have a valid e-mail address for him any more.

Don lived in Tennessee, as I remember.

That's all I know about 'what ever happened to...' Don.

Not sure - if anyone noticed - but I'm still around :bigwave:
Not nearly as active on a daily basis - but I do check in every week or two to see what I may have missed.....

Have since "Changing jobs" a year ago January now been very very busy writing mauals and procedures for 6 different companies

(Changing jobs is what the wife calls it - not allowed to use the (R)etirement word .... main payback is I get to set how many hours I actually am productive and which days - I get to "Go play"

Everyone is providing such good info by the time I read the messages that show up I probably couldn't add too much to the conversation anyway

Never fear - tho
I'm watching energy & his big mouth bass (joke Bill:vfunny: )

Jim Biz said:

Not sure - if anyone noticed - but I'm still around :bigwave:
Not nearly as active on a daily basis - but I do check in every week or two to see what I may have missed.....

Never fear - tho
I'm watching energy & his big mouth bass (joke Bill:vfunny: )

I see you occasionally in the who's on line section, so I know you are still kickin! Still finding time for those horses, no doubt. Nice to see you again.
:agree: :ko: :smokin:

How did you get started in Quality?
Via my school...

Did you slide in from inspection like me?
Cause i had to do a training period for my school to get a certain amount of points. This a small company here with only 5 people. So uhm its not big lol

I dunno if i stay in this branche cause i can go to other branches as well. Because i am also studying bank and insurances at my school.

My history? My degree is in Psychology and Human Resources (and an Associates in Fine Art, but "starving artist" didn't sound like a good career), neither of which start out at much income. Got into AutoCAD through a company looking for someone who could learn fast. Got into database programming (FoxPro) at same company because I could learn fast. Got into Computer Support because I had a knack for it. Wound up at a Manufacturing Software company in Customer Service, hated the phone support part. I prefer hands-on. Went to a small stamping (the company and the products)plant as in-house IT support and database programmer. Got recruited into Quality to run the QS-9000 program by the then-manager at the same company because I am a good planner. I'm still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up...

I started out as a production worker (10 years) and decided that I needed a little more from life so I returned to school. After school, I was hired for a position managing document control for a global organization (this allowed me to learn a lot about the QMS and ISO). I had a wonderful mentor as a boss (that also helped). Eventually, he left the company and I applied for his position as Quality Manager. I was awarded the position and stayed with the company until I was the only one left in the Quality Department for 250+ employees and the excitement was unbearable. :eek:

I then accepted my current position as ISO Coordinator for a smaller locally owned company. :)

I have grown quite fond of helping to improve things so I guess I will be in quality for a while (unless I win the lottery) :biglaugh:

I ended up getting a degree that was hard to use... Physics of all things... most jobs which were available fresh out of school were dead end jobs, just crunching numbers. As I was not in the top of my class (having been lost somewhere in the middle masses), I found that all the best positions were already taken. To pass the time till I found something better, I started working in a QC - Lab... Anyway, as that job started to get boring, I tried expanding my knowledge by asking management to teach me new things... I got a little training here and there, helping with the computer data entry, helping develop procedures and forms used in the QC Lab, got my feet wet with some internal auditing, and next thing you know... our company decided it was time to form a Quality Assurance department - focused exclusively on those things needed to get our site registeed (at that time, we were going for ISO-9002-1987 registration)... I was lucky enough to have my name mentioned in that 1st meeting, and got the interview... and next thing you know, here I am. Lucky for me, I even got to develop my own job description over the years :D ...

My father showed me how to use a micrometer at age 8. A washed up reliability engineer taught night school and glazed me over time and time again. I still remember the day I showed my first experiment (full factorial of course) to the boss and saved the company a ton of money. When the yearly FMEA review comes around I cook chili and everbody asks for the recipe. I miss first piece inspection and meetings with Dr. Deming and Stu Hunter. "Nowadays it just don't pay to be a good ol' boy."

Like CarolX (except for the "having babys" part) and RCB I started in Quality at age 19, working as an assistant to the Quality Manager in a Plastic Injection Molding company (at the time I was getting schooled in Architecture like SteelMaiden). I knew NOTHING about plastics OR quality, but they hired me based on my adminstrative/organizational knowledge (translation: I could file things :o ). Six months later they forcibly retired the Quality Manager (a wonderful genius of a man who taught me tons in that short period) and I was thrown into the position, and kept it for 7 years (doing lab tests, q.enging, inspection, submissions, corrective actions, etc). In the late 70's I worked with a talented Ford guy doing capability studies the long/hard method.

Then I switched to a large metal stamping plant as SPC coordinator. After a year I was dumped into the Quality Manager position again. After 10 more years I moved on to a Special Machine Tool (D&B) company as a Quality Engineer. One year later, I'm the Quality Manager again! Finally, after another 7 years I landed the Quality Director position at another special machines comany.

Each time I left a company it was based on ethical reasons. Changes in management/ownership brought in new, unscrupulous, superiors with which I could not, in good conscience, work for. One even threatened to throw me and my "processes" out the window if I did not falsify a material certification :bonk: .

Nevertheless, Quality has been a great field for me. There is a lot of variety and I've learned many, many things (along the way I joined ASQ[C], got a CQE and CRE, and was certified as a QS9000 Lead Auditor). I really enjoy problem solving, DOE, GR&R, R&M and all those other "analytical" things - and making a positive difference for my employers!!! Also, my peers (like all of you here) are the cream of the crop; people that have the proper balance (and a little OCD) and outlook on how things "ought to be done". My thanks for being part of such a distinguished league. :bigwave:

Well after spending 11 years in electronics working on the development of VHF, UHF and Microwave state-of-the-art communications gear for a couple of suppliers to the Military/Government, I was offered a newly created position in the Quality Department at ITT Aerospace/Communications Division as a Quality Systems Engineer/Auditor. In 1984 the company had just been awarded their first Mil-Q-9858A-based contract (had been operating to Mil-I-45208A for over 15 years) and had no clue how this new requirement was going to impact their operation (so much for understanding contract requirements PRIOR to signing the contract).

It was my responsibility to learn and understand what the new requirements were, and “make it happen”, then perform audits that would ensure that it was happening (and oh, by the way – take over responsibility as Project Quality Engineer on a couple of the legacy programs while your at it).

To say the least my plate was full for several years, especially when faced with “driving” the implementation of a Mil-Q compliant quality program in an organization that had not budgeted for such an effort, nor were they prepared for the changes that were being forced upon them – but they had NO choice since they had already made a contractual commitment.

Then in 1993 as a part of the bid efforts on a contract for the British MoD the company was forced to look at ISO 9001 (a minor change from the system that had developed over the previous 9 years). After successfully gaining certification for the quality system as implemented on the communications programs in 1993, the company began talking to NASA and finally registered the Spaceborne side of the Division to ISO 9001 in 1995.

After these successful certification efforts, I had the opportunity to travel to England, California, Colorado, Florida, and New Jersey as a corporate consultant/auditor – assisting sister divisions in their ISO certification efforts.

In 1999 I decided that I had accomplished as much as I was going to be allowed and chose to take the Corporate Quality Manager position at a mid-sized (450 employee) machine shop (manufacturing phneumatic slides, gippers, clamps, rotators, etc. for use in assembly line robotics). My responsibilities there included leading the ISO 9001 certification effort to the 1994 version, while developing the system to comply with the “DIS” requirements of the 2000 version. Then in May of 2001 the market for our products had the bottom drop out and they let about 40% of their workforce go (inluding the Corporate Quality Manager).

Since then I’ve done a little local consulting and am now working on contract developing an ISO 9001:2000-based QMS, and although I have thought about looking into another line of work – I really enjoy this too much. In-fact I have expressed my love for the job so much at home that it has made an impact on my oldest kids: my daughter is now a chemist for Eli Lilly working for their Quality Department, and my oldest son is making arrangements to go to tech school for training in NDT methods for the airline industry.

Sounds like I am not alone when it comes to just falling into this field. I never imagined myself in quality or a manufacturing environment. Growing up, my grandfather had a small shop in his garage that he worked after he retired. When he was busy, we all came over to help. Whether he was making gun barrels, NASA components or what ever, if we showed up, we were assigned something to do. Being a child at that time, I learned how to sweep up chips, paint raw material with blue marking ink, and how to get customers to pay their bills. Many times my grandfather wanted to take me under his wing and show me how to run his machines and be a tool and die "guy". Just as many times, I refused.

After kids and school and many other jobs, (Restaurant Manager, Office Manager, Court Reporter etc), one day I was asked to take on the task of managing QS documents. I was an office manager at the time for a small manufacturing shop. Seemed easy enough since I was familiar with the documentation and was more organized than the Quality Manager. I have been working in the “field” every since and expanding my area of knowledge. Then one day, I volunteered to head up our Environmental Management System from the ground up. What was I thinking?

I have a problem with becoming board with jobs once I have mastered them. So I keep looking for ways to keep it interesting. I must have changed careers at least 10 times already and by far, this area is the most expanding. Just to keep thing interesting I work full time, attend college for yet another career change, and do volunteer work.

My husband and I have a philosophy to never grow up completely and enjoy life. That is what we do.

Cindy

[FONT=Arial]My grandfather owned a spring factory and as teenager he asked if I wanted to work there. I said no - I wanted to Teach Math ... what a mistake. After eight years of teaching the little brats, I got a job working in a lab. After 3 yrs. there, I got another job at a manufacturer as QA Inspector that turned into 17 years doing that and every quality job their was there except as a manager(QA Eng. Calibration Lab, Auditor, etc.). Before I was going to be passed over again (third time) for a supervisors position, I got a job as a SQA supervisor at different plant. I loved it! Then after 2 great years at that position cut backs forced me into a QA Eng. again. After 6 months of that nonsense I got this job as QA Manager to get a small plant ISO Registered. It is a great challenge!
I would never have believed that this would be my field of choice.
Who knows what I will be when I grow up!!! :rolleyes:

Mooser

I started with an average showing in the electrical engineering program at Purdue. I did the cooperative engineering program (co-op) at Singer Controls (part of what was then the Fortune 500 Singer Corp.) in Schiller Park, IL. This is where I learned that communication with the factory of what the product should actually do and how it will be used, not just a specification, makes a huge difference. After graduation, two years at Honda of America Manufacturing as Engineering Staff/Maintenance: an up close and personal introduction into the Deming philosopy applied. I really wanted to get into electronics manufacturing since my interest in the industry was why I tortured myself with engineering school. So, got a job in the product support department of a company making electronic boxes to measure vibration. Our department was responsible for fixing everything that went wrong after the product was released. Unfortunately, the boss was also the QA manager. Being measured for keeping warranty return numbers down and also being responsible for fixing the things that cause numbers to go up led to a little bit of a conflict of interest. When I listened to this guy it always seemed like he talked a good quality game but most of what he said just didn't seem to fit with my previous experience. Since I didn't have the formal training required to argue.... I joined ASQC and took the locally offered course for Certified Quality Engineer, then sat and passed the CQE exam. When our company started whispering about ISO (about 94) I took the 3 day ASQ "Implementing and auditing and ISO900 system." (Just a side note: at this point you will know more about quality and quality systems than 99.44% of the population...) During the first six years I worked there, there were 4 different QA managers, let QA style overcome substance, miserably failed 2 NUPIC audits, and were purchased by another company. In the ensuing shuffle, the original QA manager ended up as Operations Manager and I applied for and got the QA manager job. With the help of a hand picked steering committee, a lot of project management training and experience, and a competent consultant, we registered 2 sites with 125 people each to 9001:1994 in 9 months (we already had a 20 section quality system at one site but it had been horribly neglected). I found the Cove during the registration project!!! Now I work at a 50 person company as a manufacturing engineer. We don't have a formal quality system, so I implement concepts that work where they are needed, work hands-on in our electronics assembly shop, and try to push Deming concepts as far back into the R & D process as I can.

I started in a medical factory, and soon discovered that I didn’t like sitting at a machine doing the same boring thing for 8 hours. Then, a job posting for a Quality Inspector came up, and I thought why not. I could be anywhere in the plant I wanted to be and doing something different all the time.

Since then I’ve worked in Quality for companies that make aircraft turbine blades, automotive, dairy packaging, and medical devices. I’ve worked as an Inspector/Technician, QS9000 Coordinator, and Quality Manager. My current position is Quality System Technician, which involves document control, internal auditing and implementation to the new TS requirements.

That all started 28 years ago, so I haven’t figured out if I just love it or if I’m truly crazy (as some of my friends think). My husband doesn’t seem to appreciate my skills of being observant to every detail (picky, as he calls it), especially when he is doing some remodeling project.

Good or bad, its different, no time for boredom.:biglaugh:

My husband doesn’t seem to appreciate my skills of being observant to every detail (picky, as he calls it), especially when he is doing some remodeling project. :topic:

Ah, hrm... My wife gives me the same treatment, and she has no experience from the QA environment, whatsoever... :o Events seem to indicate that she would do well if she did went for it, however.:vfunny:

/Claes

It appears most of us thought we'd be a pilot, doctor, train engineer, fireman, wife/mother or such when we were kids. I doesn't look like anyone planned to be in the profession early on.... Hmmmm....

Contrary to what my name suggests, I am anything but a quality guru. But, my hats off to you guys - for your relentless pursuit of quality and professional integrity.

In this world of globalization, constant customer pressure to cut costs, and improve quality, you guys need to continue to do the job as you always did, but, perhaps with more passion.

After 16 years in Software business, helping companies delivering quality management software, I am a free bird now - well not quite - I am now an independent consultant - and I do research and analysis for companies specialized in the areas of quality.

Well, that brings me to my next subject. I could definitely use some help from any of you folks from automotive (Tier 1 and 2) who has some experience and exposure with the Powerway software. Not the Powerway 2000 desktop software, but rather the new powerway.com solution that allows you to do your APQP and PPAP processes over the web and collaborate with your customers and suppliers.

If you could share your experience, that will be great. The magazine article will keep you annonymous if you want, or publish your name as reference if you want.

If you can give me 15 minutes of your time, I will be grateful - and who knows - history may look back to this day and refer to this article which changed the preception of quality for ever...(just kidding!!!)

Please email me at manash_chakra@hotmail.com

Stranded with a writer's block,

I remain,

the quality-guru

So.... What's the scoop? I saw Inktomi spidering this thread so I took a look. Not that old, but....

Maybe this should be a 'Sign In If You're Still here thread.

I thought a Poll would be appropriate to add at this time.

I could not remember when I first found the forums but checking in the posts I first posted Thursday, 18 September 1997.

I don't have such a good memory of the posters as some of you, it's the age.
But what is for certain a lot of good people have contributed a lot of good stuff.
:thanks:

To you all

I believe I bagan in the 1st part of 1999. I really can't check as Mark and I had a disagreement a couple of years back and I was booted (appropriately) from the Cove.:notangel:


Al...

So.... What's the scoop? I saw Inktomi spidering this thread so I took a look. Not that old, but....

Maybe this should be a 'Sign In If You're Still here thread.

I thought a Poll would be appropriate to add at this time.

Kind of like an online roll-call, Teacher? If you're here, raise your hand.

:bigwave: Present.

If you're not here, please sit in your seat and remain quiet.

Found the Cove: 1999
Joined: 2000

I joined Jan. 4, 2002. I remember that I registered VERY soon after finding the place. It has changed (for the better) since then, though. Still great quality discussions, but without some of the other "stuff" that kept us (me included) distracted.


:mg:

Its more fun to argue (if it comes to that) about quality anyhow.

Craig

First found the cove in 2000 and visited off and on for a while then registered in 2002.

Er.. I think I found the Cove in 1998, and somehow it took me until well into 2000 to join.... Not exactly Speedy Gonzales, am I? :o


/Claes

Wow! For once in a very long time I can say that I am a youngster. :tg: I been here just since early 2003, and have learned a lot. But most of all, I have increased my base of friends (at least I hope that I can refer to you all as friends :biglaugh: ) by a large amount.
:bigwave:

I found the cove in early 2003 and joined almost immediately. It is one of the best quality resources out there.

Come on folks, take a minute and 'vote'. I know there's a lot more 'regulars' reading this thread than have 'voted'!

Come on folks, take a minute and 'vote'. I know there's a lot more 'regulars' reading this thread than have 'voted'!I "found" the Cove in 2002, based on a stray comment I read in the ASQ Forum.

When I visited back then, I wasn't happy with what I saw and moved on.

Late in 2003, Carol X. suggested to me (as a response to an ASQ Forum post of mine) that I should look into the Cove.

I was more than pleasantly surprised by the improvements I saw and very pleased there had been a general 'housecleaning' of the mean-spirited posts I saw in my previous visits. I registered in Sept. 2003.

In the intervening time, I have been very impressed by Marc's attention to the mechanics of this site, especially in contrast to the deplorable situation which prevails at the ASQ Forum.

I am happy to see good questions and great answers which all go to advance the concept of Quality as an integral part of an organization.

I still have some personal issues with questions and answers which focus on satisfying registrars, rather than improving systems. I'm pragmatic enough to realize these are short term "life and death" issues in a lot of organizations.

I'm looking forward to a long and happy stay at the Cove. I hope Marc is working on a Succession Plan as he creeps up in age with us "Old Coots."

I registered the same day I found the Cove on May 2, 2003. :bigwave:

Hi All,

I found the cove in early 2003 during a google search for Corrective Action Information. I joined the same day and soon therafter became a Contributor. It has been the best few dollars I have ever spent. I have met (webwise) some very good people and had some great insights into parts of quality I never knew existed and parts of the world I have always wanted to visit. IMO this is the most professional, best maintained and most useful website of its type (and maybe of any type) on the web. :tg:

Greg B

I merged another thread into this one to tie some things together. So if you noticed there are a 'few' more posts than last time you looked, that's why... :magic:

I merged another thread into this one to tie some things together. So if you noticed there are a 'few' more posts than last time you looked, that's why... :magic:I think Howtse should add the "magic" smilie:magic: to his personal logo. He is, after all, the "thaumaturge" [magician or miracle worker.]

I believe it was either late '96 or '97. Marc had a picture of himself sitting in front of his computer as the opening. I left for awhile when I went into engineering but found my way back. Actually, I think the first time I tried QS9000.com I received a message that it had been reserved but the site wasn't available yet!!!:biglaugh:

I just found the Cove 2 days ago and I am ecstatic. I have spent my professional time bouncing around between production, engineering, and quality. But , my scope has always been on the Quality Systems ever since I read ISO9000 and actually got the point. It just made sense to me, and the order seemed natural. I am now a Quality Manager, and although overtasked, (and of course underpaid), I relish in the thoughts of accomplishment that may be achieved through maintaining and growing a system I helped put in place.
Thanks Marc for this forum which helps us not only express ourselves, but also helps us all achieve our goals.

How did you get started in Quality?
Did you slide in from inspection like me?
Did you drift into it because someone needed some paperwork done?
Did you grow into it with a growing company?

More to the point why do we stay in it.
Love the "missionary" aspect?
Genuinely feel like you're making a difference?
or
Just plain old mascochism?

Man, you guys are starting to scare me - I've been in quality for a grand total of four months...should I be looking forward to frustration and opposition for the rest of my career?

Man, you guys are starting to scare me - I've been in quality for a grand total of four months...should I be looking forward to frustration and opposition for the rest of my career?


Rachel-

While working the Quality Dept. can be frustrating at times it can also be very enjoyable when you see the lights go off in the heads of the people you are dealing with. The only really frustrating part of my job is this concept of "you are to young to know", now that bugs the heck out of me. I hope it does not happen to you, however, there is a better chance it will than won't. If you enjoy it keep plugging away if not get out now! LOL

Man, you guys are starting to scare me - I've been in quality for a grand total of four months...should I be looking forward to frustration and opposition for the rest of my career?
In one word: Yes... That holds true for most career routes, however. There are ways of coping: Just pretend you don't notice it and it will go away eventually.

/Claes

Sometime in 96 or 97. I registered but have forgotten what the user id was at that time. I was working for Purolator And had just completed my QS LA with stat-a-matrix in early (march) 96.

Man, you guys are starting to scare me - I've been in quality for a grand total of four months...should I be looking forward to frustration and opposition for the rest of my career?

As Claes said, you'll find frustration and opposition in almost any career that you choose. What matters is how you handle it.

Fresh outta school, I made the choice to work long hours...at work around 0600, leave around 2200...I became an honourary member of night shift. :D But after months of this, and no sun and no life, I started to slide. I couldn't keep up...my system shut down.

In the end, my organization hired an assistant for me...ironically, when the time for layoffs came, they kept her and not me. I understand their reasons and was actually happy to be no longer part of the team.

I now choose to laugh...often and loud. Sure, things get to me...peoples' attitudes towards change, the names I am sometimes called, the refusal of people to adhere to the systems' processes...but not like they used to.

Life is too short and my attitude towards "the important things in life" has changed significantly over the past few years.

Don't let it get you, Rachel...easier said than done...but find outlets to help you deal with it. I go to the YMCA...a plus membership means that after my workout, I hit the showers, maybe the hot tub, sauna, and most definately the steam room (menthol is pumped in during the winter months)...it's like a daily spa treatment! Do something for charity...last year I participated in "The Weekend to End Cancer"...and I'm doing again this year. And last, but certainly not least, talk to the people on the Cove...we've all been there, done that, and got the weekend-out pass to prove it! :biglaugh:

Don't forget the 'Companion' thread!

http://Elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=1477

I had visited the Cove now and then last year, but finally got roped into active participation in January 2004.

"To serve as a Business Systems & Standards Information Exchange and Co-Operative"

Sometimes the exchanges aren't all that co-operative, mainly mine I suppose.

In response to some of the questions in this thread - our diversity is our greatest asset and our acceptance of that is our strength.

I registered when?

I registered when?You've been here since 9th November 1999.

/Claes

I've only been here a few days.

I think this forum is amazing, so many people only too pleased to help.

Long may it continue :agree1:



Dave :cool:

Hey everybody, look, it's another Dave! Hi Dave, welcome to the Cove!

will we all have to change our names to Dave soon?

Hey everybody, look, it's another Dave! Hi Dave, welcome to the Cove!

will we all have to change our names to Dave soon?More likely, we'll just add "not Dave" to our screen monickers.:biglaugh:

More likely, we'll just add "not Dave" to our screen monickers.:biglaugh:
Like "Not THE Dave and Not The Other Dave either"? There ARE a lot of Dave's here! But we can always use another Dave! Welcome!

I just found the cove 2 days ago.

March 16th, 2004 at 2109 gmt time

Any prize for me? :tg:

I just found the cove 2 days ago.

March 16th, 2004 at 2109 gmt time

Any prize for me? :tg:Absolutely! You'll get quick, accurate responses to your questions about quality issues from a pool of experts.
Welcome to the Cove:bigwave:

Absolutely! You'll get quick, accurate responses to your questions about quality issues from a pool of experts.
Welcome to the Cove:bigwave:
And - For Free!
Thanks, Wes! I couldn't have said it better! :applause:
Welcome to the Elsmar Cove, carlosecheverry!

Just a fast question. My username to log here is carlosecheverry, any way to change it or use a kind of alias?

Other question..how Marc is Cheech Wizard or Wes is quality manager? there is any kind of categories?

Just a fast question. My username to log here is carlosecheverry, any way to change it or use a kind of alias?

Other question..how Marc is Cheech Wizard or Wes is quality manager? there is any kind of categories?About 1/3 of the way down the page is a button bar with a FAQ button which brings you to a FAQ page. Scroll down to vBulletin FAQ (http://69.93.111.34/Forums/faq.php?faq=vb_faq) then click on User Maintenance (http://69.93.111.34/Forums/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_vb_user_maintain).

There, the answer to your first question is: (Colors and boldface are my emphasis) How can I change the information in my profile? It is your responsibility to keep the information in your profile up-to-date. You should especially ensure that your email address is kept current. You can alter any of the fields in your profile, except your username. Once you have registered your username, it becomes yours for life. In extreme circumstances, you may request that the administrator change your username, but he or she will require a very good reason to do so.
For the second question, find the button "User CP" near the FAQ button. This takes you to your Profile where you can change the title that appears under your name. If you still have trouble, send me a PM and I will give you more specific answers.

You can alter any of the fields in your profile, except your username. Once you have registered your username, it becomes yours for life. In extreme circumstances, you may request that the administrator change your username, but he or she will require a very good reason to do so

Well, i think I have a good reason. When I've applied 2 days ago, I didnt know spaces were allowed, so Ive decided "carlosecheverry" as my username, but my real name is Carlos Echeverry and thats the way I would like to be known here :bigwave:

Hey, don't make me register again, I will lost my karma points :(

Thanks for the help

Just a fast question. My username to log here is carlosecheverry, any way to change it or use a kind of alias?
Just e-mail me and I can change it to whatever you want.

http://Elsmar.com/Forums/sendmessage.php

Not a problem changing your user name.

Wes cited the FAQ. Most of the current FAQ is the 'factory default'. It currently states: "Once you have registered your username, it becomes yours for life. In extreme circumstances, you may request that the administrator change your username, but he or she will require a very good reason to do so." I'm not so 'serious' about someone wanting to change a user name.

I will change the FAQ to address changing 'user names'. My apologies but I still have 'translations' to do in several of the 'stock' FAQ's.

guys, this is an amazing forum. fast and exact!, I find here a lot of interested people in share ideas and thats exactly what I was looking for,

I will tell my girlfriend (shes QMS manager too) that sign up here. She's a bit better than me with english language.

Thanks again for the warm welcome with all kind of help I found until today here.

;)

You've been here since 9th November 1999.

/Claes

Sorry Claes - rhetorical.
:o

I have changed the FAQ to read:

"It is your responsibility to keep the information in your profile up-to-date. You should especially ensure that your email address is kept current. You can alter any of the fields in your profile, except your username. If you want to change your user name, please e-mail me (Marc)."

I think that I am going senile but I am getting confused with this thread
*** Merged ***
It makes no difference cause in the end the result is the same.

We are all the greatest.
Every one really does care and try to be as usefull as possible.
This is the best place to be.

Thanks to everyone and especially Marc

I feel moved to respond to all of the Dave stuff....

"An ode to Dave"


When you see a Dave,
Give him a wave,
For he's no knave.

A Dave is everyone's fave',
To think not, you must be in a cave,
For Dave, the world he'll save.

For every Dave,
Let us all rave,
For the Angels they gave,
Such a bounty of Dave.


Dave :cool:

I can see where this is going to lead.......... :nopity:

At least no one complains that they have too many Daves. Bills, on the other hand... :mad:

"Let's do Billy....
Billy, Billy, Bo-Billy
Bonafana fo- Filly
Fe-Fi-Mo Milly
Billeeee"

That's all the poetry you'll get out of me (we all hope!!). :rolleyes:

Bill

Boy,

I must have missed this thread while I was on vacation with Professor Smirnoff.

"... but I'm feeling much better now" (Harry's Dad Buddy from Night Court)


It's been quite fun 99% of the time. Marc and I have discussed the other 1% on a few occasions and for a time I "took a sabbatical":biglaugh:
As to the topic at hand, I believe it was the latter part of 1999 when I first started visiting and not long thereafter that I registered. It's great to read what the "oldtimers" have to say and to see some of the newer Covers post, learn and grow professionally.

The help I have received has aided my career and I wholeheartedly admit to using others ideas and teachings in a few management meetings.:eek: The Cove has evolved over the years and is currently as good as I've seen it, and will stay that way if we all work together.

Al...

The answer to your first question is: (Colors and boldface are my emphasis) How can I change the information in my profile? It is your responsibility to keep the information in your profile up-to-date. You should especially ensure that your email address is kept current. You can alter any of the fields in your profile, except your username. Once you have registered your username, it becomes yours for life. In extreme circumstances, you may request that the administrator change your username, but he or she will require a very good reason to do so.

I changed the FAQ. It now reads: "If you want to change your user name, please e-mail me (Marc)." and doesn't reference "for life" (a bit extreme here but on a BIG board this can be a problem).

I don't mind changing a user's login name. It's simple and fast.

I found it a couple of weeks ago - I think I did a search for Quality based forums.

I'm so happy I found this place. Other "professional" forums (that I have had experience with) do little to actually help their colleagues in the field - they are more of a way to trade recipes, argue about religion and update everyone on whats going on with their new child, dog and/or cat.....And while we do have this very delightful "Coffee Break Talk" - there is more of an emphasis on helping each other out with 'work-related' issues.

I just found this site about a week ago and just love it! I have been working in quality for about 18 years now and with all the requirements for the automotive industry I often felt overwhelmed. Just being able to read other peoples experiences, in the feeling I not alone. I am always looking for ideas to help make TS16949 an easier transition, and believe me I have found the place!

Thank you everyone! :agree1:

P.S

I just started with the company Im working at and they are not QS9000 but have decided to skip QS9000 and go with TS16949 without much management involvement Im starting from scratch (nothing) so I hope you dont mind but you'll be hearing from me! I have less than a 6 months to do this. And will take any comments or suggestions from anyone and everyone! This will be my first time to bring a company from nothing to TS16949. Also I dont take the class untill 7/26/04. :thanx:

I found the cove the other day whilst scrolling through search results for quality forums on google and joined the same day.
Reason for joining seems to have people with quality sense(?) and enjoyed reading some of the questions/comments and the responses, as it's one heck of a learning curve being a Quality Person.

Welcome to the Elsmar Cove! All the radicals hang out here, so watch out you don't get eaten! This is REAL life experience...

I have less than a 6 months to do this. And will take any comments or suggestions from anyone and everyone! This will be my first time to bring a company from nothing to TS16949. Also I dont take the class until 7/26/04.
So. Did you start the class? How's it working out? Is it what you expected? If not what you expected, how is it different?

Have you had any "AHA" moments, yet?

I have started a New Poll. The old one, which ran from 2 January 2003 to 30 August 2004 is attached.

I know most of you voted in the original thread. Please do me the favour, take a minute and vote again.

Just curious me!

Thanks! :thanks:

I think that I am going senile but I am getting confused with this thread
*** Thread Merged with this Thread ***
It makes no difference cause in the end the result is the same.
Ummm, OK - Here is a screen shot of that poll. I forgot the poll started by JRKH.... Attached. I merged the two threads as well.

I must be a "newbie" since I just started in March 2004. How do you earn your wings so you can fly solo?

:o Bill Pflanz

First recorded post 18 September 1997
I don't know how long I visited before the post

I must be a "newbie" since I just started in March 2004. How do you earn your wings so you can fly solo? I think you earned your wings long ago, Bill. I honestly thought you had been here longer :agree: .

Personally, I found the Cayman Cove in 1999 (I think), but lurked for a long time before joining in 2000.

A note: As internet life spans go, the Cove must be considered to have been here "forever". Impressive, Marc... Very impressive :agree:

/Claes

My registration date is Sept 2003, but I lurked a bit before that, so I put the closest date - July 2003. I also remember checking out the old site a couple of years ago, found it too political, and started going to the ASQ Discussion Board. When that one became too unwieldy, and based on some ASQ posts referencing this forum, I checked Elsmar out and was pleasantly surprised.

I started this latest poll in part because I thought it would be nice to have it be an open poll where you can click and see who came when without having to read every post in the thread. So - I know most of you have done the 'When did you find the Cove poll before', but I hope you'll 'update' by participating in this one.

Attached is an earlier poll broken out by individuals.

I have been viewing post and whatever forms and documents I could get access to since back in about 97 but did not register until one or two years ago. I felt guilty for not giving something back. Still not sure if I contribute all that much but I try.
The beginning of this thread is about how we got into quality. I started in my father-in-laws gage house after graduating from Bible college and I needed income for me my wife and at that time three children. We had a boat load of debt and were in a bad financial situation. I started at $8.00hr in about 96 or 97 and was milling and grinding, turning and polishing checking fixtures for the auto industry. Dad bought a CMM and trained me on it. Do to that responsibility he and our designer trained me in GD&T and reading blueprints. Some of our customers were pushing QS-9000 so I and dad took a class and began putting together a system. The economy took a bad turn for a while and dad had to lay us off for a short period. I needed money so I took a job at a die shop programing a CMM on the night shift and learned alot more about parts and inspection. I also began to learn about the stamping process of prog dies and learned more about calibration and quality systems and GD&T. When dad called the workers back I did not go but waited to be promoted to days because the lead lab guy quit. I was promised that if a position on days became available that they would move me up. It did not happen so I threw a tantrum :mad: and quit. I worked for dad again for a short time and got his QS-9000 almost fully implemented and got a job with Magna as head lab guy on the launch of their new plant in Holt, MI. I worked here for two years and really enjoyed it. I learned how to do CAD and function in a QMS for a larger company. I also learned alot about qcos, desttructive test and got to go to GMs tech center and Milford Proving grounds several times those places are cool. I tried to get a job as a QE at Magna but my boss never passed my app on to HR. The other new QEs were always asking me to help them with their PPAPs and problemsolving and I new how to do it better than the newbies but still no promotion. I was a little upset about this but kept going and I learned how to work in UniGrphics and did a lot of problem solving through cutting sections and looking at interfaces and using the CMM. I kept taking more on my plate but did not have the help I needed to get everything done. The QM said I had to get it all done in 40hrs then would put me on unlimited OT about every other week. I still could not keep up. I kept asking for help but when it was finally given it was taken away. They threatened to get rid of my job. I was furious so I quit and started working at a small stamper in Belmont, MI doing a little of everything. I miss most of the people at Magna but not my boss or the QM. Magna was great.
Anyway I am only in this industry for a little longer then off to ministry. :agree1: I have learned alot and I am using many of the tools learned in quality to get this ministry going. I do not think I will register to ISO with my church plants though :lol: .
By the way Marc thank you, your contributers, and all the great people here for all the insight and info it has been extreemly useful over the years. :applause: :agree1:
Mark

since i started my job exp in september but i hadnt the foggiest idea what it was all about. i mainly did just set up a manual for the ISO-9001 for a company that co-operate along with our school. Thats how i got in and job experience is needed here on my Uni. I also set up the basic parts for a company that needed ISO and dutch standard VCA**. It was easy work i say but my job experience co-ordinator was more a hyperactive fool and not pleasant to work with at all. Not to mention him getting to late on appointments which annoyed me the most i had to say. i dont have that much experience in quality but it was fun to do actually. Now i am on my way to graduate from Uni so hope all goes well.

I'm not at all certain about when I actually found the forums. It was probably back in 1999Well, what do you know... It wasn't in 1999 after all: I just found some stuff I downloaded from the Cayman Cove of 1997 vintage. Looks like I've been around a little longer than I thought.

/Claes

Scary thought....

By the way, folks, if you haven't 'voted' yet please take a minute and do so!

Not really sure - guessing 2001 or 2002.

Not really sure - guessing 2001 or 2002.

Ummm...when I read this, below your name it said 2000. :)

Ummm...when I read this, below your name it said 2000. :)


Uhhh OK - I see what you mean. :bonk: :biglaugh: :bonk: :bonk: :sleep:

I knew I saw that somewhere. i looked everywhere except in front of my face. Thanks.

There's more to this software than many realize...

I figure by the time I hit 30, I will be (almost) ready to head out on my own. I should have the contacts by then...knock on wood. Of course, life never goes according to plan, so while I say I'll be consulting at 30, who knows where I'll be. As long as I've got a challenging job that provides me with variety and rewarding experiences, I'll be happy! :D

Hey Roxane,

Do you remember saying this back in 2002???? :lmao: :lmao:

Hey Roxane,

Do you remember saying this back in 2002???? :lmao: :lmao:

*growl* I'd like to point out that I also said life does not always go according to plan. :o Life happened. Seriously though, I still feel that I have some things to learn from this company before making a decision regarding going out on my own or not. I'm content to wait for a little bit and, to be honest, my "plan" has changed slightly regarding what I want to be when I decide to grow up.

...my "plan" has changed slightly regarding what I want to be when I decide to grow up. Ummm.... Grow up? What's that?

*growl* I'd like to point out that I also said life does not always go according to plan. :o Life happened. Seriously though, I still feel that I have some things to learn from this company before making a decision regarding going out on my own or not. I'm content to wait for a little bit and, to be honest, my "plan" has changed slightly regarding what I want to be when I decide to grow up.

Hey Rox,
I'm 45 and, I refuse to grow up.
I considered the consultant thing too and, I even tried a few independent contracts. I would like to teach rather than consult, however I remain to be a very mature student. The learning process is never ending.
Wallace

They say a childs mind is a terrible thing to waste, so I kept mine! I enjoy life now more than ever and I never planned on being in MI at this point. But then again I never knew how much enjoyment there was in fishing. It is nice to stop and smell the roses sometimes, might as well since I can't run past them as fast as I use to.:lol:

Yes, a child's mind IS a terrible thing to waste. I had lost my mind (child's mind) for many years, but have recently found it again. It was right where I had left it...

...in the recycle bin. :D

Now, I never leave home without it!

I found the site on January 2005.

I've been involved with Quality and standards for years, but have only now found Elsmar!

I guess I'm wondering:
- why is it called Elsmar?
- why have I only just found such a large core forum?

I can answer the first question, but the second is a mystery to me! It look slike it will take some time for me to find my way around here properly, as the size is staggering. :)

Don't know why it took you so long to find us! I did a 'hit' on QS9000 back in '99 when I started my consulting biz and have been here ever since. Some posters come and go, other have been around awhile.

You should find it a very helpful resource.

As far as Elsmar goes...Marc will probably chime in. Us old folk remember it as "The Cayman Cove"

- why is it called Elsmar?See: What does 'The Cove' mean? (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=12280) and The Elsmar Cove Site and Forums 'Breakdown' & Options (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=6641) (among other threads...)

hi! mine is quite different. when i was about to graduate i was choosing between 3 fields: quality, productivity/efficiency, inventory. all of these are part of my training as an industrial engineer. however i cant land a job inthe field of inventory management (because it was very obvious in interviews that i dont realy like it). my interests are in design of experiments, control charting, statistical analysis, and all those math/stat stuff. so eventually when i applied for a position as a process engineer i was not accepted but rather referred me to one of the quality managers of the company 9we are a vertically integrated organization). so here i am, enjoying the "constant challenge".

ei, i am really looking forward to learning from your experiences. (YEA, i respect experience a lot!) and i hope i can refresh you guys with all those stat stuff whenever i can (im a fresh grad you know, and i can still remember some stuff, if not the most)

glad to be here!

Although my profile says member since 2002 I did join way back and then went away. My inbox has a rule set up that puts all posts from elsmar in a folder called "Cayman" I will try and find the earliest e-mail and add some detail.

I can change the join date in your profile if you let me know what it was - Month - Year preferably.

Quite a few people have come and gone and returned. I don't know that many are 'revolving doors - here, leave, here, leave - But a few are ;)

I checked on my current laptop (3 years old) and the info is all 2002 onwards. I remember it was before I left BSI - June 1997. I will check on the desktop at home (1997 vintage) and let you know. IS there any access to the old posts in the Cayman Cove - I could do a search?

On the revolving doors - when working for a registrar I could justify time as market surveillance. From June 97 to 2002 I had a couple of "proper jobs" and couldn't find the time. Since Jan 02 I have been working in consultancy and as an auditor again. Gives me some time to do "research" :lmao: - although it ends up with me spending all my time defending third party certification. How much fun is that? :bonk:

IS there any access to the old posts in the Cayman Cove - I could do a search?The original Cayman Cove 'forum' messages (http://elsmar.com/old_forum.html) and software are still there as Read Only (WebBBS if I remember correctly). All posts from UltimateBB (which came after WebBBS) were imported into this database.

I had a look all the way back to the beginning of the archive and it seems to have stopped after the date I "went away." I will carry on and look back at old info just to satisfy my curiosity. Otherwise it looks as if I didn't post before 2002.

I had to do a quick search on myself as I couldn't remember off the top of my head when I joined. But as was then is as now: the Cove is good for the brain!!!

How did you get started in Quality?

An Engineer in a sheetmetal fabricating business thought I had a good nose for quality. I started doing inspection work while attending school and found the work interesting.

Did you slide in from inspection like me?

Yes I did. The inspector position I took morphed into inspection/tech/engineering work. Grassroots was in QC but began migrating towards QA work.

Did you drift into it because someone needed some paperwork done?

Actually, I saw the need to do inspection while working on a paintline that didn't have it, but needed it. I established inspection criteria and planning and the boss thought that it was pretty slick and began to show it off to prospective clients and our established accounts. I guess I basically created the job and it stuck. Shortly there after, the engineer I mentioned above thought that I could support mechanical inspection and calibration needs as I was mechanically inclined and good with math. This lead to my first corner office (the one in the corner behind the compressors!). I was also pretty quick at figuring out paperwork and completing it neatly, requisite for our military accounts.

Did you grow into it with a growing company?

No, actually the business was somewhat flat, but stable. My girlfriend suggested that I take a shot at using my skills at a Medical Device manufacturer, so I went on an interview. I landed the job, but was going to reject it because I would have to work second shift. The guy who interviewed me told me to take it and he would do what he could over time to make it worth my while (interestingly, this guy grew up on the opposite side of a pond and although we never met, I probably drank many of his stashed beers as we frequented the same party spots!). It was with this new company that I made my quickest and largest ascent within the Quality field on exposure to all-things-quality.

More to the point why do we stay in it.

I have a deep passion for working in Quality. I suppose my reason is that it fits with me personally: I try to continually improve myself as I continually try to improve the business and product quality. Over the years, the distinction is less and less. Tools in quality are often tools in life. While I think that Quality folks need thicker skin in the business for most other departments, I think the rewards from the work itself justify the tougher moments.

Love the "missionary" aspect?

I suppose so. After learning the Deming Method, I guess you learn quickly that you better be a missionary, and a good one at that. For me, their isn't a distinction between the Quality Mission and the Deming Management Mission.

Genuinely feel like you're making a difference?

Yes, I do. I'm not one to tout in general, but I can see the results. In days of old, I would routinely field a dozen or so emails a week from connections here at the Cove for advice (outside discussions). It was very gratifying to get emails from folks in the Philippines, India, Europe states, Candada and South America. It's good to know that folks appreciate anothers thoughts and contributions and doubly nice when you can help them out of a problem. I appreciate the opportunity the Cove (a.k.a. Marc) has given me to learn and grow with the membership!

or
Just plain old mascochism?

I used to say it often, and still believe it is true: you need a tough gutt to be in this field, especially if you find yourself in a management/leadership role and you back the Deming Method! Still though, I wouldn't have it any other way!!

Here's to the next 7-years!!!

Kevin

I'm a mere pup...I've just cracked three years :)

How did you get started in Quality?
Did you slide in from inspection like me?
Did you drift into it because someone needed some paperwork done?
Did you grow into it with a growing company?

More to the point why do we stay in it.
Love the "missionary" aspect?
Genuinely feel like you're making a difference?
or
Just plain old mascochism?


I fell into quality. I started at a small company in inside sales/customer service. I also did a little accounting, and wrote some procedures for QS. From there I went to Purchasing at a different company, and that led to me becoming a materials coordinator under a plant manager/shop floor controller. I got an inside scoopt that our plant would be closing, and all of us would loose our jobs. Just happened that a former boss' wife was looking for a quality coordinator. Although I didn't have much of a quality background, I went for the interview and got the job (trust me knowing the wife didn't help me, because it was other people who made the decision). Anyway, first day on the job was a surviellance audit. So, from there I just keep on learning, growing, and finally I became the Quality Manager.

I stay here because of job security at the moment. I feel that out of the other jobs that I have had in my life, this is the most challenging. It's hard to implement many projects because I am constantly butting heads. However, it's gotten remarkable better over the last couple years. My biggest complaint is that I wish I could make more of a difference. But I keep on hitting that preverbial brick wall. But overall, I like what I do and I am happy with it.

I have just added myself to this poll, but I feel it's results are potentially misleading. It appears to me the original poll was posted a few years ago and has simply had an option added for each subsequent year.

So ... do the results reflect who among the "oldies" are still on the Cove? ;) Does the poll reflect current membership, or is it an accumulation since the poll began?

You are correct. It is misleading in that sense. I fully admit that there are also surely some 'old timers' who 'voted' on the poll a year or more ago who don't come by now, as well.

I've never Closed the thread because it is interesting in that it is a list of when many people found the Elsmar Cove web site.

So - One has to consider the limitations of the value of anything construed from the poll data.

You are correct. It is misleading in that sense. I fully admit that there are also surely some 'old timers' who 'voted' on the poll a year or more ago who don't come by now, as well.

I've never Closed the thread because it is interesting in that it is a list of when many people found the Elsmar Cove web site.

So - One has to consider the limitations of the value of anything construed from the poll data.

True enough, Marc. I must have been feeling a bit pernickity (sp?) this morning! The REAL value of this forum is in the people who are here now and so generously and consistently give of their expertise! :thanx:

This is a good website, and I visit it every weekday.

I am new here but it seems like I have been here for years. :bighug:

How did you get started in Quality?


When I was kicked off my MSc studies at an Industrial Eng. and Mgmt faculty (due to "56" grade in "Introduction to Financial Management"!: )) I've found nothing better than jumping into the next-door Inter-departmental Committee for Quality Assurance and Reliability, which eventually turned out to be a much better choice!!

I have used this site for years as a resource and to bounce topics off of others who may have more knowledge than myself. I have been involved in ISO since 1996. From my work history, I have found not many folks understand ISO or even care about ISO in a company, except for the one who is responsible to make it happen or right before the external auditor showing up at your doors.
I appreciate this site and all it has to offer. :applause:

Bump - 24 September 2008

(aka - Blast from the Past!)

Heh...I visited the site since 1996 (I was registered too but at one moment I lost all my data, moved (jobs and locations) and did not registered again). Still visited but with family growing, job requirements, mod on 2 technical boards, did not have thetime to do anything else much.

Re-registered in 2002 but did not participate. Realized (kids big now, quite) that I can dedicate some time to this board.

By all means, your help will be much appreciated!

Heh...I visited the site since 1996 (I was registered too but at one moment I lost all my data, moved (jobs and locations) and did not registered again). Still visited but with family growing, job requirements, mod on 2 technical boards, did not have thetime to do anything else much.

Re-registered in 2002 but did not participate. Realized (kids big now, quite) that I can dedicate some time to this board.

Even a few minutes per day will help!

Thank you for "lending a hand." :applause:

Stijloor.

I have been a Cove member since January 2006 and have enjoyed it immensely. It has been one of the best that I have every been a member. My thanks goes to Wes Bucey, for introducing me to the Cove, in January 2006.

I don't remember exactly when I found the Cove in 1996, but what I do remember is how it saved my sanity! :agree1: I had just gotten a job in the automotive industry and was not familiar with QS 9000 (the Cove was www.qs9000.com) and the information I found here helped tremendously. Thanks for all of the Covers who helped me understand the requirements of QS 9000 and how GR&Rs were suppose to work! :applause:

Great thread! I love seeing the histories.:thanx:

I got started in quality while working as a production supervisor in a vaccine manufacturing plant. Let's see, very sharp needles with potentially deadly material meant for the arms of little kids regulated by the FDA where failure to do the quality stuff was usually a felony. Jail versus learning to do it right? Well, it seemed like an easy choice to me, but I'm not always real bright.:biglaugh:

Then the company started downsizing and I took the opportunity to return to my home state and worked in implementing QS9000 when it first started. Then I got hired as a plant manager for a UAW organized client where the PPM was 6999 with a delivery rating of 61%. Got that turned around with the help of a FANTASTIC team in about 11 months to under 100 PPM and delivery of 98%, but my management did not think I did good enough because my team and I "only" got the budget shortfall from 450K per month to 75K per month. So they moved me to a senior quality position overseeing several plants. I became a director then a global director of quality for 160 plants.

Now I have left that stress filled world for a Lead Auditor role with a registrar. Hurray!

I love quality because I love making things better, faster, cheaper and cannot let it aone when they are not well made. Drives the spousal unit nuts of course. :lmao:

Registered at the Cove in April 2006, although visited for a while before.

I have not been too active in posting, but I hope to improve that.

However, I do visit every day, and it's just about the first website I visit each day.

For me, the Cove is one of the most important sources of information and trusted advice that I have access to.

John.

Registered at the Cove in April 2006, although visited for a while before.

I have not been too active in posting, but I hope to improve that.

However, I do visit every day, and it's just about the first website I visit each day.

For me, the Cove is one of the most important sources of information and trusted advice that I have access to.

John.

Thank you John for your nice comment! :agree1:

Now go tell your friends about this great resource...:yes:

Stijloor.

Yes, good thread. It was nice to see someone else with a heart of physics. I, myself, am a displaced physics teacher. I had a new job (ideal one too) lined up and my superintendent made some backroom political moves, stabbed me in the back a few times, lied outright about me to the other superintendent - lost me that post, and then tried to blackmail me for my old job back. (What? me? bitter?) :sarcasm: [legal action was not possible - lack of witnesses and documentation]

That was June 2008. I spent 5 months unemployed and depressed:(. Applied for this job.... before they hired anyone I got the opportunity to impress them by helping write and submit a patent for them. They were impressed enough with my adaptability to hire me for the opening. My job is Quality Analysis, Etc. The "Etc." include more patent writing, and becomming the resident "TS Cert expert".

That last bit is what brought me here and I am SO glad :D. The help and advice received is worth its weight in gold.... well, it would be if we printed it all out on cardstock, maybe, 'cuz these colorful photons really don't weigh much... :thanx:

Basically, I’ve been here visiting the old cove since 1998. I remember one author of the book (Randall’s Practical Guide to ISO9000) that I’m reading which was available here in the Philippines told me about a site. - referring to a forum in which ISO is discussed in detail. He said, he might not answer my query on ISO because sometimes he go to other places with regard to his job as Management Consultant but with this forum (the Old Cove) my concern would be immediately addressed. Thanks to Richard Randall. :applause:

My first job was into sales, selling test and measuring instrument to various customers. Then when I passed the board examination, one company that I applied as a R&D Engineer said that he thinks I am more a Quality Guy and not a Technical Person, I just don’t know what he really means about that. The rest is history. From then, since 1997 up to know (2009) had almost 12 years experience in Quality. Presently, I’m working as a Quality System Engineer. And recently joined PSQ and hoping could also gain certifications in the future.
Why do I stay in this field? Well all I can say is I LOVE QUALITY... :)
raffy:cool: