For process manufacturers, regular calibration of instruments across a manufacturing plant is common practice. In plant areas where instrument accuracy is critical to product quality or safety, calibration every six months—and even more frequently—is not unusual.

We usually focus on lean and Six Sigma concepts as ideas for providing improvement. But there are many other approaches around the world that are insightful and worth noting as lessons learned for business and other organizations.

When someone mentions design for Six Sigma (DFSS), the initial thought usually turns to developing new, innovative products. While DFSS has its roots in product development, individual components of the toolset can be applied in a variety of ways.

(AMT: McLean, VA) -- Testifying before the House Small Business Committee, Douglas K.

(ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA) -- Localized corrosion, such as pitting, cracking, or crevice corrosion, can be destructive to process equipment, but if it is detected early enough, potential damage can be minimized or avoided.

(IDEAL Industries Inc.: Sycamore, IL) --  While all electronic equipment is designed to handle varying voltage within a specified range, voltage events become a concern when they exceed designed tolerances.

(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- The Baldrige National Quality Program (BNQP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) collects suggestions throughout the year on opportunities for improving the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, the Malcolm Baldrige National Qual

(ISSSC and 10 til 2: Cincinnati) -- The International Society for Six Sigma Certification (ISSSC) and 10 til 2—The Part-time Placement Service—have formed an alliance that will help connect area businesses with highly skilled professionals certified in the Six Sigma program.

(SigmaXL: Toronto) -- The provider of user-friendly Excel add-ins for statistical and graphical analysis, announces the release of SigmaXL Version 6.

New features include:

Ultrasonic leak detection has been used for a variety of applications ranging from energy reduction by locating compressed air leaks to quality assurance inspections, such as locating wind noise and water leaks in automobiles.