OCTOBER 24-27, 2010

Hear from InfinityQS' own experts about how to maximize your investment in the software to improve quality and drive down costs. Learn how to use the latest tools and features to fully automate your SPC system, eliminating the need for time-consuming data collection activities. Industry-specific sessions will address the most pressing issues in your industry and demonstrate how the software can help you stay ahead of standards and requirements.

The Roving Inspector: Portable Data Collection

In manufacturing, identifying issues "upstream" is a critical factor to cost savings. By finding issues sooner, companies are able to realize huge reductions in scrap, rework, and in most cases, avoiding bad product completely. Unfortunately, moving data collection "upstream" can be a tricky endeavor. Bringing the product to an SPC station is normally not an option, so companies are looking at ways to take the PC to the product.

In this session, you'll see:

• A roving inspector fill out a "receiving check sheet" using just their cell phone
• Barcode scanners and tablet PCs combined to form a portable inspection station
• Wireless gauging used to measure product on the floor

2. Techniques for Simplifying Data Collection

Today's manufacturing processes have become even more lean and flexible. As a result, manufacturing as a whole has become more complex. This forces SPC system administrators to juggle the dual tasks of adapting to increasing complexities while simultaneously making SPC user experiences as positive as possible. The challenges of ever-increasing parts lists, changing production requirements and demanding users can seem daunting.

In this presentation, learn how projects can be created to handle very complex situations yet allow data collection to occur simply. Learn new InfinityQS software features that make administrators' lives easier and data collection more robust and less challenging.

3. Sampling Strategies with Dr. Wheeler

Keynote speaker and SPC expert Dr. Donald Wheeler discusses strategies for sampling real-time quality data. How much data should you collect and how often? Is it possible to collect too much data? Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from the industry's must renowned SPC expert about in-process sampling for real-time quality control.

4. Audit-Proofing Your Quality System

You are currently using InfinityQS to meet your continuous improvement plan. Why not use ProFicient and Dynamic Scheduler to help meet the variety of regulations and requirements your industry may require? For instance, the Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), International Standards Organization (ISO) and many other regulations you may be required to comply with can generate a nightmare of paperwork. Rest assured you have been provided a means to collect and verify compliance in an efficient and low-cost method within a system you are already using!

Pick up some tools and techniques designed to help prepare your plant for those all important audits. This presentation will show you how to use ProFicient for:

• Changing paper check sheets to a paperless system
• Providing quick and efficient checks for operators to perform
• Illustrating versatility in recording checks
• Prompting operators to perform checks
• Notifying appropriate personnel if checks are not performed in a timely manner
• Reporting to show compliance

5. From Cradle to Grave: Ensuring Product Traceability

Tracking data from "cradle to grave" is important these days, especially when considering the costs of recalls and warranty claims. But traceability cannot be relegated solely within your plant's four walls. Instead, in many cases, a final product's quality must be able to be traced back to raw material suppliers, even to the farm from where a food product was grown.

This presentation will show you how to achieve this level of traceability. InfinityQS has created software features and functionality to allow seamless traceability, from final finished goods, all the way back to raw material lot codes. We'll explore many of these tools and show you how they can provide greater manufacturing visibility and help with compliance.

6. Creating A Global Quality Hub

Now more than ever, high quality is a performance imperative. But larger organizations typically have plants spread across the globe. How can quality performance be assessed if each plant has its own database, separate from the others? With InfinityQS' wide variety of software solutions, consolidating data is a snap - even when data resides in separate databases, in separate plants, even in separate countries.

In this presentation, learn how a variety of different InfinityQS software products can be used to consolidate data from plants around the globe, resulting in a single, global data storage facility for all your company's plants.

7. Quality System Integration

Quality system integration can be a vast subject and can encompass a wide range of definitions. Quality System Integration to some is best described as "ways in which quality data is shared with a Manufacturing System." Others will associate quality system integration as "ways in which quality data is obtained from Process Automation Systems, Automated Test Equipment and more." Your InfinityQS ProFicient or eSPC quality systems are already tracking many quality data and helping your manufacturing operations stay in control. But these systems can also connect to your process automation systems and special test equipment. And, this quality information can also be quite powerful when shared with your other business systems.

This session will focus on the benefits and challenges associated with monitoring quality data provided by other (downstream) process automation systems and will also describe ways to make the quality data available to other (upstream) business systems. Various integration tools and strategies will be introduced. We'll also explore the future of integration as it applies to InfinityQS.

Tools Included

• Data Management System (DMS)
• Data Collection Services (DCS)
• Enterprise Integration Service (EIS)
• SAP Specification Limit Importer
• OLE Specification Limit Importer
• Custom Software Development

8. Fully Automating Your SPC System

Achieving "Lights Out" in today's manufacturing environment requires automation well beyond automated data collection. By automating analysis, reactions, reporting, and escalation, you can ensure that critical information vital to the success of your business is never overlooked. Luckily, with ProFicient, automating these critical steps is easier than ever, resulting in significant cost savings for your business.

During this session you will observe a fully automated SPC system as it monitors a manufacturing process. You will see how a true "lights out" system automatically monitors everything and only turns on the lights when there is an issue. You will see all of the elements that make "lights-out" a viable solution for today's manufacturers. Additionally, you will learn about the various tools useful for both operators and managers when the lights are turned on.

9. How Much Is Your Quality System Earning You?

You already know that ProFicient is helping you reduce scrap and rework, operate more efficiently and ultimately save money. InfinityQS customers are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year with the software. But how do you quantify these benefits? Start with the basic Return on Investment approaches and proceed to tools that continue to provide savings.

This session will demonstrate how Proficient projects can be set up to monitor many of the standard costs tied to quality problems in your business setting. The session will also demonstrate how to use standard charting techniques to compare and contrast processes to maximize efficiencies. This presentation will show you how to:

• Tailor data selection to track and present ROI
• Associate dollar amount to downtime
• Show how SPC is improving process utilization

10. Error-Proofing Your Projects

One of the most challenging aspects of any implementation is to ensure that the end user makes the correct choices when entering data. Projects that are overly complex or confusing can make data entry difficult, causing your group to have to track down and correct errors. Further, since every environment is different, no single solution will work for everyone.

There are many options available to help you error proof data entry and selection. This presentation will help you understand your options so that you can determine which solutions are right for your plant. Topics covered will include:

• Managing quality measurements and work flow
• Using barcode scanners
• Selecting correct combinations
• Giving the right permissions to the right people

11. The IT Guidebook for the Non-IT

We all know that InfinityQS continues to offer more and more products that provide additional opportunities to connect to equipment, analyze data and learn more about the products and equipment you run every day. With all of these new possibilities come some new requirements and vocabulary to ensure that these tools are fully utilized. Your IT group will greatly appreciate it if you know the requirements of these new systems and help them get things right the first time.

This presentation will give an overview of many IT-related topics, but is geared towards individuals outside the IT department who may need to relay what is needed to have a successful implementation. Topics covered will include:

• Running InfinityQS services
• Running ProFicient in a thin client environment (Citrix & Terminal Services)
• Merging databases
• E-mail requirements
• Database and network permissions

These hands-on sessions offer you the opportunity to sit down and learn from the InfinityQS experts! Presented by InfinityQS staff, these sessions will let you roll up your sleeves and dig into all the functionality highlighted during the presentations and learn how to get the most from your SPC system.

1. Gages in ProFicient SPC

Using Gages with ProFicient helps error proof and speed up data entry, though getting the gages configured properly can sometimes be frustrating. Most gages don't output the same data stream and there may be instances where you need a specific piece of information from a complicated string of data. This session will focus on configuring the InfinityQS Gage Server utility for different data streams and will also discuss the files associated with gage information.

To be discussed:

• Reading data from various streams
• Collecting multiple values from a single string
• Gage configuration and definition files

2. Web Dashboards & Reports

Keep an eye on your KPIs from anywhere in the world! Keeping an eye on your critical production information is now only a browser away. With InfinityQS' new thin client reporting capability, you can monitor the health of your shop floor from your cell phone. Create and utilize "performance dashboards" for your entire plant, all within your standard web browser.

See this powerful new functionality in action as you create a variety of dashboards for a typical production shop floor, all from within a simple browser.

Key topics covered:

• Configuring the reports for your KPIs
• Wrapping reports into summary dashboards
• Creating different views for different users

3. Data Collection Using Web Forms

Collect any data, anytime, anywhere with InfinityQS Forms! This flexible, user-defined, web-enabled data collection service allows users to sign in and collect data from any web browser. During this session, you will use the InfinityQS Forms Designer to create and publish your own data forms to the InfinityQS Forms Server.

No software or Web developers required! No HTML or scripting editors required! The InfinityQS Forms designer allows you to create multiple pages, if necessary. The controls you drag and drop on those pages will determine the information your operators will be required to collect and will define the way the operators will navigate from one page to the next.

To be discussed:

• Description of the InfinityQS Forms Architecture
• How to create data entry forms for saving subgroup data
• Some basic data collection

4. Lot Acceptance Sampling

For those who must apply lot acceptance sampling, InfinityQS has the ability to simplify the process. Using your acceptance criteria, we can show you how to create a step-by-step project to walk your operator right to the door of acceptance or rejection of receiving lots.

The session objective is to familiarize you with the functionality available to you through the use of ProFicient's lot acceptance sampling data entry.

• Setting up the appropriate project
• Using Database Manager to set up sampling plans
• Using AQL, LPTD, Beta and Alpha
• Defining Part, Process and Test for Sampling Plans
• Exploring differing sampling plans
• Using Acceptance Sampling results for reporting purposes

5. Calculations within SPC Data Collection

It would be nice if every metric were directly available from a measurement, but this isn't always the case. Calculations can range from very simple items, such as unit conversion, to complex equations requiring multiple measurements and even conditional statements. There are often several ways to arrive at the same solution, and it's not always clear if there are advantages to each method. This session will focus on calculations using factors, retrieved database values and conditional statements.

To be discussed:

• Using factors to create dynamic calculations
• Retrieving database values
• Conditional statements

6. Dynamic Scheduler Part 1

Dynamic Scheduler is a powerful new addition to the ProFicient family. It simplifies data entry by keeping track of when measurements are due and what actions should be taken when different situations arise. Understanding Process State and other requirements of Dynamic Scheduler are critical to integrating it into your work environment. This first session will focus on these requirements and how basic data entry scenarios are configured.

To be discussed:

• Understanding Process State
• Sampling Requirement basics
• Collecting data using Dynamic Scheduler or ProFicient SPC
• Sampling Compliance report

7. Dynamic Scheduler Part 2

Once Dynamic Scheduler has been configured for different data entry scenarios, its real power begins to show. You can configure Dynamic Scheduler to ask for start-of-run checks, machine verifications, production checks, lab checks, escalated checks (after a defective product has been found, for example), shut down checks and many other scenarios, but the best part is being able to link these together and guide the user through the required checks when they are needed. The second session will build on what was started in the first hands on session and take it further by adding actions based on data entry in each requirement. The topics covered will include proceeding from one type of check to another and changing requirements based on data entry. This functionality is what allows Dynamic Scheduler to operate in demanding environments, such as HACCP, and will ensure that the correct information is collected at the right time.

To be discussed:

• Connecting multiple sampling requirements
• Escalating sampling requirements
• Directing work flow

8. Data Entry Made Simple Part 1

Have it your way! Discover the multitude of options available to you within the data entry configuration window. We will help you customize your data gathering through the use of the Basic and Advanced options, plus a few tricks of the trade. Experience for yourself, in a hands-on environment, how to simplify data entry for your operators.

The following topics will be demonstrated:

• Reselect options
• Cascading choices to other data entry configurations
• Managing your tests and their many options
• Using database value lookups for "automatic" descriptors
• Display options, graphics, linked documents
• Attribute coding
• Subgroup management including entry order
• Using Database Values

9. Automated Data Collection

In any given manufacturing environment, reliable communication between a diverse set of hardware and software systems is a top priority. Automating your data collection reduces manual labor requirements, minimizes the chance for error, and ensures your entire plant is aware of manufacturing issues as soon as they occur. With InfinityQS' new Data Management System (DMS), not only is automating your data now easier than ever, but combining information from different equipment into viable, useful subgroup data is now a reality.

Learn how DMS simplifies your data collection requirements, while still allowing you to clearly define your sampling strategies so that you always have the data you need.

Key topics covered:

• Description of the DMS Data Store
• Creating and configuration of various DMS providers
• Configuring the Data Collection Service for various sampling strategies

10. Taking Advantage of Toolbars

ProFicient's toolbar buttons can serve as an essential element in your overall data collection and analysis strategy. When properly defined and implemented, they can greatly simplify the day-to-day use of ProFicient by shop floor personnel, as well as engineering and management.

Not only can toolbar buttons essentially eliminate any Windows menu-driven action for users, they can also reduce complex, context-sensitive actions to a single click. All of these simplify the user experience, reduce training requirements, and decrease the potential for error.

The following concepts will be demonstrated:

• Navigation between projects
• Passing parameters between projects
• Linking to external applications and files
• Using tokens for context-sensitive actions
• Using menu buttons to expand your choice of action
• Attaching scripts to toolbar buttons for complex actions
• Exporting ProFicient data directly to external applications

11. Data Entry Made Simple Part 2

Discover even more options available to you within the data entry configuration window through a continuation of the topics covered in Data Entry Made Simple, plus a few more tricks of the trade! Learn to think outside the box through the use of the Basic and Advanced options to accomplish those unusual tasks you may be faced with back at the plant. Use this workshop to stretch your imagination in a hands on environment.

The following concepts will be demonstrated:

• Going from paper checklists to paperless checklists
• Using database value lookups for "automatic" descriptors
• Using description fields to communicate
• Chronologically inserting collected data
• Cycling through your processes
• Subgroup v. Item descriptors

Learn how other InfinityQS software users are systematically improving quality, meeting requirements, complying with regulations, and reducing costs. Hear case studies and success stories from the users themselves to generate ideas about how you can better leverage your InfinityQS tools. Each session will be tied to a particular industry or job function, so you can choose the sessions that are most relevant to you.

2. Using Launch Projects and Microsoft Excel in a High Parts-mix Regulated Environment

At Medtronic, over 2,000 Parts are being measured, each with unique number types and Tests. This requires over 2,000 data entry configurations in ProFicient. Additionally, electronic data capture is required for all Part-Test combinations using multiple gages.

Byron Walker, Inspection Manager at Medtronic, will show you how his organization managed this high volume of data while also complying with FDA requirements. You will see how Medtronic:

• Minimized the number of Projects and Data Entry Configurations by utilizing toolbar buttons to launch unique Set-ups into a single Data Entry Configuration
• Implemented the system in a FDA Regulated Environment, requiring software validation
• Allowed dynamic Test and electronic gage combinations in one Data Entry Configuration with Keyboard Wedge Software

4. Foundations for an InfinityQS Global Knowledge Team

When an organization's InfinityQS implementation spreads across multiple sites and multiple countries, the same principles of innovation and creativity can be applied to establishing global, standardized systems, utilizing the differences of participants' academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds. Too often, subject matter experts become isolated, individual sources of knowledge and an entire division's InfinityQS knowledge may reside in only one or two individuals. For longevity of the progress in the expanding field of customer needs, depending solely on individuals is no longer sufficient nor practical. Instead, an organized system of knowledge sharing can be established in the form of an internal InfinityQS Global Knowledge Team. With this team, companies can minimize redundancies in processes, make the most out of what limited resources are available to typical InfinityQS administrators, and create a self-sustaining system of operating procedures and best practices.

The InfinityQS Global Knowledge Team establishes a system that leverages aggregate expertise and flexibility, creating a self-sustaining system that can remain effective regardless of the individuals actually assigned to execute the objectives.

To be discussed:

• Strategies in creating an InfinityQS Global Knowledge Team
• Team and skill-set selection
• Using the global team to create a business-specific InfinityQS Body of Knowledge
• Standardization and Standard Operating Procedures
• Cultural considerations when participating in a global team
• Longevity and sustaining the Global Knowledge Team, regardless of the individual delivering the objectives.

5. Effective and Rapid Implementation of Process Control

Implementing an effective Process Control System can be a challenge and doing it quickly is seemingly impossible. How do you start an SPC process, gain buy-in and get quick results? How can you implement and sustain critical process improvement focused on the right things? This session speaks to the challenge of implementation from an operational point of view.

Along with a history of implementation, we will review successful case studies for providing high quality and reliable products to such demanding customers as Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Bush and Johnson and Johnson. Most importantly, we will provide the tools to plan, organize and implement your program and provide a road map for early success. Focusing less on statistics and more on visual commonsense variation reduction, you will learn how to effectively implement a new system and win customers.

This session will demonstrate how you can:

• Gain the Keys to Successful Implementation
• Achieve Critical Business Alignment
• Generate a Planning Process for implementation
• Avoid critical pitfalls
• Tie Implementation and Cost to Financial Results and Justification
• Grow Customers through effective implementation

7. "Lights On" SPC - Integrating Visual Items to InfinityQS

A large amount of the industrial processes in modern manufacturing facilities are automated and computer-controlled. "Lights Out" plants and SPC are becoming increasingly more common making data collection easier, more reliable and less error prone. Beyond the ease of the "Lights Out" implementation, there is another aspect of the process that still depends on human interaction and could use some evolution. This is where the "Lights On" SPC approach enters.

Whirlpool Corporation implemented a system to integrate and automate Andon techniques - visible/audible alerts on the shop floor - to the SPC routine based on InfinityQS ProFicient. This system clearly alerted operators and management when data collection was required, when an alarm was pending or when the process was down. The results that Whirlpool achieved through the Andon techniques were an improved data collection discipline, better response times to alarms, and a decrease in total downtime adding to the process improvement brought by SPC itself.

This presentation addresses:

• Advantages of using Andon techniques on the shop floor
• The solution architecture that Whirlpool used
• InfinityQS integration with Andon alerting
• Results achieved