Alaverdi’s paper will discuss how medical device manufacturers and, along with other original brand owners, must look at better ways to remotely oversee quality and compliance as the momentum for outsourcing continues. This need for a better quality tracking system is particularly crucial as warranty costs caused by latent detection and tardy corrective action can not only offset operational cost savings, but can also result in a diminished brand image, sometimes taking years to recover. This creates a delicate balance between delegating non-mission-critical tasks, while maintaining control and visibility into day-to-day-quality trends to proactively contain and mitigate risk. Relying on suppliers reports, although convenient, is often too little, too late. Further, as the complexity and extent of outsourcing increases, relying on suppliers for deciding pass/fail criteria, without any oversight poses a serious conflict of interest. Alaverdi’s paper will outline a scientific foundation for building a rapid response, real-time early warning system that companies implement to produce significant and measurable ROI for their organization, as well as invigorate their products and brand that will ultimately build strong customer loyalty. Audience members will walk away with specific strategies to start such an implementation.

About the Medical Electronics Symposium and MD&M West Conference

The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) has co-located the 2008 Medical Electronics Symposium with MD&M West. The MD&M West Conference offers the West Coast’s premier educational forum for the medical manufacturing industry -- from R&D to manufacturing to regulatory approval. Sessions are structured with extensive input from industry professionals to provide practical and high-value information attendees can immediately apply to their job responsibilities.

Since 1985, MD&M West, the world’s largest exhibit for medical manufacturing, has provided an unparalleled array of resources for the design and manufacture of both current and next-generation medical devices. No other event, can match the breadth and depth of MD&M West in delivering the most complete and comprehensive resource for medical manufacturers. For more information visit www.MDMWest.com.

About SigmaQuest

SigmaQuest Inc. is an On-Demand software company whose solutions provide unprecedented insight and actionable information to ensure product and process integrity, by collecting, controlling and analyzing quality data throughout the product lifecycle. Its solutions enable global enterprises, such as Original Brand Owners that design, manufacture and service a broad array of products containing electronic components, to help deliver lower warranty costs, improve product quality and increase customer satisfaction. SigmaQuest’s suite of products consists of Manufacturing and Test Insight, Supplier Quality Insight and RMA Insight, all of which are offered in an On-Demand, real-time environment. The company’s market-changing approach has been recognized in Managing Automation’s Top Ten Companies to Watch, Manufacturing Business Technology’s Top 40 Emerging Vendors, and Test & Measurement World’s “Best in Test” awards.