What Our Customers Say About BIS
As a process specialist, prior to learning the six sigma methodologies, I was only able to make changes on the process based on feelings and what I saw at the time. I had no concrete data. I am now making decisions based off factual data. I now understand process variation and how to: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control it. I have set up numerous data collection plans tailored to copy and paste into Minitab. I have been able to analyze data real time, and have provided operators with updates daily on processes. The six sigma training is a real powerful set of tools that have made a real difference in my outlook on our processes. Taking this class is a "No Brainer" on whether to make the investment or not. I have made up the money spent on my training in less than 3 months. The classroom material is very thorough and the instructor provided excellent examples during class. I highly recommend this training for all of the companies that would like to save money by just tightening up process variation. All the tools necessary are quickly at your fingertips.
Rocko Vasko, Six Sigma Process Specialist, MSC Walbridge Coatings
I have over my 12 years with Gold Eagle participated in many workshops conducted by the U of I BIS team. Through my business career which spans over 43 years in both public and private enterprises, I strongly believe that the programs presented by the U of I BIS for Gold Eagle had the most significant and educational impact on me as a manager and team player. For example The Executive Team Building presentation conducted in June 2002 modified my behavior and attitude in dealing and working with top management, my peers and my direct reports. Throughout my adult business life I have always been a self starter and effected changes and results by doing it myself and/or not working with and through the system but rather going around it to achieve the desired outcome. As a result of this particular exercise, I learned that team play and participation through proper communication, trust building and conflict resolution not only realize the outcome more effectively, efficiently, quickly and positively but also at the same time builds a TEAM solidarity and an environment that fosters total team effort and cooperation with everyone feeling they were part and parcel of the accomplishment. The various facilitators are not text book consultants but rather individuals who themselves have experienced work environments and thus can share their own personal experiences and be able to relate and share their real world issues and opportunities. I highly endorse and support the many programs that the U of I BIS offers and encourage other companies to engage their expertise and services.
Richard S Schwab, Vice President International, Gold Eagle Co.
We are pleased to inform you that our AS9100C audit has been successfully completed. We appreciate all of the assistance your staff has provided us over the past year in revamping our quality system and preparing for this audit. I would like to single out the UI BIS Instructor as being a guiding force in the creation and implementation of our revamped quality system and the resulting positive outcome in our audit. Without his extensive knowledge of the topic and effective methods of conveying it to my personnel, we would have struggled to attempt to get through an audit of any kind. We hope to maintain our relationship with both Ken and your organization into the future to help us in our continuous improvement efforts. We will keep you informed of any future developments and look forward to carrying on our relationship into the future.
William D. Dowdakin, Rockford I. D. Shop Inc.
Just wanted to make sure you knew how much we have appreciated your help. With all the joking and teasing that goes back and forth I thought it important to let you know. Once again we appreciate everything you have done to guide us through this process and we thank you for everything you have taught us. Until your next visit take care and be safe.
Mike O'Heron, Rotating Equipment
Thanks for everything. It’s been years since I completed my MBA so being the classroom setting was really enjoyable. Further, I felt like you were an incredible Instructor – compelling, knowledgeable, etc… So I can’t thank you enough for a truly great experience (especially with terrain that is not my forte or background). Happy to serve as a reference for you or for the program.
Cathleen A. Burden, MPC Products
Incorporated a variety of theories & resources. Relevant to my industry. Instructor knowledgeable on subject matter and able to relate it to real world scenarios.
Andrew Allen, ITW Shakeproof
The program is a must for this day and age. The instructor did an excellent job. She kept the group involved and incorporated the program topic into our mill issues.
Bob Dietel, Futuremark Paper
Great leadership and direction, concise, very informative.
Carlos Cordova, Shure
The instructor was very helpful when people had difficult problems understanding. Very quick to bring what was in the material to actual situations that a lot of us could relate to.
Correana Armstrong, Agri-Fab
This was an excellent class, very well instructed. Would highly recommend this program to other co-workers & friend. The instructor was one of the best I have had the pleasure of learning from.
Don Steele, KSM Electronics
I believe that the instructor was very knowledgeable in the area that made it very easy to follow and understand the information.
Erin Maldonado, Meaden Precision
Instructor's background had good synergy with course material and lessons. Instructor kept all participants engaged.
Jason D. Meyers, EMD
Instructor encouraged examples from students when possible and addressed these issues per the course. Instructor kept things moving and as interesting as possible.
Ken Albrecht, ITW Switches
Worthwhile, would like to attend more sessions on other topics.
Ken Korth, Richardson Electronics
The instructor simplified the various laws in the workplace that we should be aware of and provided easy to understand examples of real world situations.
Kirk Eilers, Futuremark Paper
The instructor was excellent. Her motivational skills were excellent at involving the entire class.
Richard Green, Filtran LLC.
This program gives you an overall better understanding of why companies want to be ISO certified and why companies should be ISO certified. Instructor was very experienced and knowledgeable of topic and the questions that were asked were answered clearly.
Steve Morgan, Plitek
I think the instructor was very good at covering as much as possible in the time we had. He had many real world examples that kept the class interesting, and had a talent for getting us to think about/apply what we were learning to our work situations. Great instructor!
Susan McGran, Richardson Electronics
Very thorough with information. Presented info in an order that made sense. Instructor was able to make the environment entertaining while still conveying the message.
Tim O'Sullivan, OSG Tap & Die
The UI BIS Instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and all questions and topics were covered in depth. I took away a lot from this class.
Timothy Brennan, SWD
The UI BIS Instructor used many previous experiences to help us understand the subject/module. When people had questions his explanations were very clear. He is one of the best "non-technical" instructors I have had in >20 years.
Tom Marek, Gold Eagle
Will encourage my company to hold more training activities at this facility.
John Rose, Northstar Aerospace Inc.
The UI BIS Instructor was a wonderful teacher. He is so patient, supportive, encouraging, and knowledgeable. He makes some very intense and difficult statistical concepts understandable and actually fun to learn. The class was geared toward actual work experiences. I can go back to work and apply a lot of what I learned in class.
Michelle Fuller, Rockford Health System
The UI BIS Instructor was sensitive to the different industries and skill/experience levels represented and spoke to us all! His patience is phenomenal and creates an extremely comfortable learning environment.
Cindy Baumgarder, Rockford Health System
Instructor effectively used real-world scenarios that made the training very enjoyable, personal as well as something that I can start using immediately.
Eddie Henderson, ShopperTrak
Instructor kept the course very interactive. Most 4 hour "lectures" or training programs turn into battles with fighting off sleep. That was never an issue in this training course.
John Lentz, Hydro-Gear
Instructor was very knowledgeable on the material and the program taught me a lot about how to analyze my workplace habits.
Anthony Machese, EMD
The University of Illinois Lean Certification series is a good balance of the instructor's practical experience, class presentations, handout materials, and hands-on in the classroom. The series gave me the tools to develop and implement a Lean program that we use specifically for our company. I was able to put much of the information into immediate use. The logical sequence of classes kept the learning in perspective. The series was a good all-around Lean training course.
Dan McDonald, Senior Corporate Engineer, Illinois Tool Works Technology Center
The materials presented in the training sessions were fundamental in getting the employees to open up their minds and realize what can truly be accomplished by applying the basic tools of Lean Enterprise.
Gustavo Cuevas, Plant Manager, Promens USA, Inc.
I just wanted to thank you again for an excellent educational experience! It was a great course and I really enjoyed your approach and techniques. You are very knowledgeable on the content, but what really made it excellent is that you have the practical experience of what really happens in industry. Thanks again!
Angelo Arcese, Manager Quality Assurance, ElectroMotive
I cannot say enough great things about the Six Sigma Certification Program at the University of Illinois BIS. It was the greatest educational experience of my life. The UI BIS Instructor is without question, the best educator I've ever come across. His subject knowledge, attention to detail and class room instruction is unequaled.
Vincent Williamson, MBA, Electro-Motive Diesel
I initially took the BIS Black Belt classes to teach and develop the tools I needed in order to improve efficiency on our production lines. The coursework and instructor not only offered those skills, they added in a great deal of information on a more efficient BUSINESS, allowing me to find and improve inefficiencies in all parts of the job. The program taught me that nearly anything can be deemed a 'process' with the right definitions in place, and the tools necessary to improve that process are within reach.
Robert Gustine, Six Sigma Process Engineer, Elk Grove Village, IL
I greatly appreciated my one on one coaching from the UI BIS Instructor. My goal was to be assertive in a positive way. I learned to apply principles that helped me establish and communicate "boundaries" in a professional and courteous manner. These boundaries apply to work, home and even for myself. Needless to say, I met my objective. Not only did the the training give me confidence, but it helped me to really enjoy my job.
MaryEllen McCullough, Receptionist
A pharmaceutical firm in the Chicagoland Area executed a Six Sigma Project to improve certain processes in its facility. Application of Six Sigma methodologies, including the formation and facilitating of a formal Project Team, DMAIC process implementation, and follow-through to Project completion, resulted in stated Project goals being successfully attained. The processes saw marked improvement, and tangible savings of $100,000. annually were documented. The gains have been subsequently maintained. Many thanks to the University of Illinois Business Innovation Services for providing Six Sigma Black Belt training! The UI BIS Instructorprovided outstanding instruction for the 4 Weeks of intensive training.
Anonymous, Pharmaceutical Company
Since 1991, UI BIS has provided training to our company. From top management to supervisors to line leaders, we have all benefited from participating in workshops such as leadership, project management, OSHA compliance, Six Sigma, Time Management, Computer Skills, Lean Manufacturing, etc. Their instructors are the best. The costs are very competitive. The results always meet expectations. BIS has made a major difference at Gold Eagle.
Bob Hirsch, Chairman,Gold Eagle Co.
The lean Certificate series at the University of Illinois is jam packed with all the essentials for companies looking to start the Lean journey. Speaking from experience as someone from Automotive with direct ties to Toyota and TPS – the UI BIS Instructor has crafted this program with pin point precision leaving no stone un-turned. Your thinking will be challenged, stimulated and trained to see things for it's true worth and affect on your company. The materials and experiences are extremely relevant with the times and span across your entire organization. Undoubtedly, this is the stuff you and your organization cannot be without!!!
Sean Hedden, Lean Process Engineer, Arens Controls, LLC