One company's story
about using New Mexico 9000
For software company Ultramain Systems, New Mexico 9000 is the ticket to international business
Here’s what leaders at Ultramain Systems, Inc. have to say about the New Mexico 9000 process:
Mark McCausland, President, Ultramain Systems, Inc.:
“With a documented process, you’re not always putting out fires as a manager. You’re trying to grow your business.”
Carol Harvey, Quality Assurance Manager, Ultramain Systems, Inc.:
"The process for the company itself is very positive. It improves processes and streamlines our daily activities. It makes us ask ourselves ‘Okay, this is the way we usually do things, but is it the smart way? Is it the best way?'"
John Warren, Technical Vice President, Ultramain Systems, Inc:
"It brought us confidence in our decisions, both to Carol and myself."
With customers like Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific airlines, software developer Ultramain Systems, Inc. must be prepared to do business in the U.K., China, and anywhere in between. The Albuquerque-based Ultramain designs maintenance and logistics software programs for airlines and other transportation networks.
In the airline business (and many others), suppliers must be certified in the ISO quality management system. Simply put, ISO requires companies to study and document how they function, steadily improving their product and customer satisfaction. Trouble is, ISO certification doesn’t come cheap, especially for a 50-member company like Ultramain.
That’s where New Mexico 9000 comes in. Sponsored by the New Mexico Economic Development Department and Honeywell Federal Manufacturing, New Mexico 9000 is a low-cost ISO certification program, which charges tuition for its six month course on a sliding scale. Compared to hiring a private consultant for training, the program cut Ultramain’s costs by 50 percent, says President Mark McCausland.
Since 2000, more than 154 companies in fields as diverse as lasers, electronics, biotechnology, tool-and-die manufacturing, aerial photography, and water processing have taken part in the program. It’s ideal both for businesses in fields that require ISO certification as well as those who want to position themselves to win government and international contracts.
Students and graduates of New Mexico 9000 continue to commend its quality and efficiency. “Without New Mexico 9000, we would be going through the process, but we would be moving a lot more slowly,” says Carol Harvey, Quality Assurance Manager at Ultramain.
Though ISO certification is a mandate for Ultramain, McCausland says any business could gain from it. “What you end up with is a documented process of how your business runs,” he says. “You can grow your business quicker and with more sanity because your processes are documented.”
Technical Vice President John Warren says his experience with New Mexico 9000 continues to be positive. “We have new checks and balances for processes that we didn’t have before. New Mexico 9000 made us aware of what a quality system brings to an organization. Quality drives revenue up and costs down. It just makes you a better organization.”
Ultramain is making plans to exhibit at the 46th biennial Paris Air Show in June of 2005. This will be the eighth time the company has attended.
Sum Up
The Program: New Mexico 9000
The Payoffs:
- low cost
- six months of coursework
- support and coaching from New Mexico 9000 instructor
- a more efficient organization
- increased profits
Get Started: Contact Ken Manicki, Senior Program Manager, 505-827-0563 or kenneth.manicki@edd.state.nm.us