Excellence Recognized 4031

Originally Published MX July/August 2006

COVER STORY

This past spring, Aspect Medical Systems Inc. (Newton, MA) was named one of 10 recipients of the 2006 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. Established in 1988 and administered by the Utah State University College of Business, the prize recognizes manufacturers in the United States, Mexico, and Canada that demonstrate lean manufacturing practices that translate into exceptional customer satisfaction and business results.

"The Aspect team is fully committed to operational excellence and the application of lean techniques throughout the organization," stated the Shingo award program's organizers in announcing this year's recipients. "Product cost of goods has been reduced by more than 50% on products that generate greater than 70% of revenue, rework rates have improved by 81%, scrap has been reduced by 37%, and customer service measures have improved by 80%."

Other Shingo recipients this year included manufacturers in industries ranging from automotive electronics to office furniture. Aspect was one of two medical device companies honored in the 2006 competition, with rehabilitation and regeneration product manufacturer dj Orthopedics (Vista, CA) also being recognized.

In addition to receiving the Shingo Prize, Aspect Medical was selected from the 10 winners as the sole recipient of the 2006 HR Medallion, a special award designed to recognize exceptional human resource practices that support lean manufacturing.

Aspect Medical has more than 160 employees based at its facility in Newton, MA, in addition to about 70 field sales personnel throughout the United States and nearly 40 employees at the company's international headquarters in the Netherlands and throughout the globe.

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