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Suppliers need to be treated as partners to allow the industry to create a competitive advantage and higher value for consumers. Tooling and moldmaking is where the task starts to determine total cost of acquisition/ownership to the OEM/end user. Next in line is manufacturability and choice of resin/compound and just-in-time delivery. The product shipped must be 100 percent defect free or part of a Six Sigma (3.4 defects per million) program.

U.S. toolmakers and moldmakers, along with advocates who maintain a focus on developing "Made in the U.S.," are developing alliances to help locally-owned businesses. It is important to encourage OEMs and end users to support locally owned businesses by developing strategies that will help community-based firms survive the competition from large conglomerates. This is necessary due to the gradual closing of a large number of community-based businesses. They are being replaced by businesses with absentee owners. It is important to strengthen the bond between OEMs/end users and moldmakers and molders.

ISO Certification: Are You Ready?
Your largest customer has requested that you become certified. Do you know how to get started? Many firms hire a consultant to help them prepare. Choose one that will give you a guarantee that you will get certified in a mutually agreed upon time frame for the original contract cost.

This consultant should conduct the first internal assessment, ensuring that it does happen, and that everyone who needs to be a part of the process can watch, listen and learn. Share the vision and the benefits of pursuing ISO 9001:2000. Keep people informed of the progress and celebrate small victories along the way. It is a mutual goal for the company to continually improve the effectiveness of the quality management system.

Sometimes in the middle of a large project like obtaining ISO 9001 certification we ask ourselves if it is worth it. If that is where you are at in the process or if you still have doubts about the value of certification, it is worth recalling some of the benefits.

A Competitive Edge
The main benefit is the worldwide recognition that comes with certification. This separates your company from others who have not become quality certified. Along with this recognition comes a great potential for winning more business.

Better Communication
The first thing that companies notice from achieving certification is an improvement in their communication, both externally and internally. Other benefits include advantages over the competition and organizational improvements.

Financial Savings
Streamlining processes - either quality management systems or environmental management systems - makes your shop more competitive. You need transaction capability, but the real wins are in collaboration. Suppliers participating in dynamic bidding events have trimmed prices by double-digit percentages.

Total Cost of Acquisition/Ownership to OEMs/End Users.
Moldmaking management experience provides leadership to accomplish the following:

• Manage daily operations.
• Maximize production efficiency and profit.
• Direct the shop/plant safety program.
• Implement cost reduction methods.
• Accept financial responsibility for controlling costs.
• Work with employees to manage their strengths and assets.
• Establish a sound quality program.
• Promote continuous improvements.