When you think of manufacturing in Minnesota and PEN’s recent presentation from Bob Mitchell, 3M Division Quality Manager, you think of customer-focused innovation as the key to business success.  We just need to understand what tools are appropriate and have proven success in helping define customer-focused innovation.

The Performance Excellence Network is pleased to welcome Jeri Meola, President of SMS Research Advisors, to our June 4th breakfast discussion: “There is No Shortcut to Innovation, But There are Successful Ways to Beat Everyone Else to a Good Idea.”  The discussion will be hosted at MCTC in Minneapolis and simulcast to Rochester.

Have you ever wondered – if we build this will they come?  Or, if we build it, will we just cannibalize our existing product?  Jeri will help show how we can transform customerneeds(the voice of the customer – VOC) into engineering characteristics (and appropriate test methods) for a product or service, prioritizing each product or service characteristic while simultaneously setting development targets for a product or service.  Hear what other leading companies are doing to transform qualitative user demands into quantitative parameters.

The discussion is at Minneapolis Community and Technical College in room L3000.  Networking is from 7:30 to 8:00 with the discussion from 8:00 to 9:00.  No cost for members; $30 for non-members. The session will also be offered live simulcast in Rochester and by livestream to all PEN members.  To register, please contact brian.lassiter@performanceexcellencenetwork.org and indicate which location (Minneapolis or Rochester) you prefer, or if you’re viewing livestream remotely.