GRT Event Eases Transition to ISO/TS 16949 2002

On February 12, 2004, GRT held a Management Awareness Session at a local hotel for managers and quality management representatives in companies making the transition to ISO/TS16949:2002. Here are the details.

Event date: February 12, 2004
Location: Wyndham Bristol Place Hotel, Toronto, Canada
Attendance: GRT staff (7 members, consultants, trainers and administration)
Attendance: 3 registrars (AQSR, ITS, QMI)
Participants: over 50 automotive mangers from over 30 companies

Key issues addressed include the following:

ISO/TS 16949:2002 – Presented by Paul Keller
• The new standard provides a management system to convert customer requirements to customer satisfaction
• Auditors are looking closely at customer satisfaction, they are looking to see how the company meets customer needs
• Auditors are spending much more time with the entire management team, to see how they define measurable objectives and if they are improving.

Six Sigma Black Belt – Presented by Patrick Terrel
• The different types of programs were described including the roles of Black Belts, Green Belts and Yellow belts
• The benefits of implementing Six Sigma were outlined
Customer Feedback – Based on Feed back sheets
• Main topics of interest are: ISO/TS 16949:2002, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing
• Almost all reported that the information was very useful for their companies and rated the event as excellent

Panel Discussion – Registrars and GRT
• Registration requirements
• Which companies can register
• Registration Deadlines
• Return On Investment (ROI)

Future Event – Spring / Summer 2004
Due to the enthusiastic response of the participants, GRT is planning another event focusing on Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.

Thank you to all those who helped plan the event and to those who participated.
Mayer Bersntein
President and CEO

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