Widely recognized quality endorsements like the International Organization for Standardization's ISO9000/QS9000 and ISO14000 certifications are fast becoming the distinction between the "haves" and "have-nots" when it comes to supplier agreements with the auto industry, telecommunications and large manufacturing companies. Many of them require suppliers to guarantee business process excellence before they sign contracts.

     DePaul University in Chicago will unveil plans to help companies qualify for contracts with profitable industries by launching a new Quality Institute at the National Manufacturers Show at McCormick Place March 13-16.

     DePaul's institute will serve as an umbrella for 20 training programs and on-site services designed to assist Chicago and Illinois businesses incorporate internationally recognized quality standards into their processes, and therefore help them compete for work here and abroad. The institute will reach out to small- and mid-sized companies to teach them the ISO9000/QS9000 and ISO14000 benefits that are spreading their way around the globe like wildfire.

     "These certifications demonstrate to your customers that you have quality systems in place to deliver your product and/or service to their exact specification," said program manager David Millunchick, who recently came out of the manufacturing sector to launch the institute and help other companies achieve what he has seen work wonders on the factory floor.

     DePaul's institute will reach out to traditional manufacturing and service industries, introduce the concept to the healthcare and medical industry, and target everything from law firms and government offices to trucking and construction firms. Instructors are Registrar Accreditation Board certified lead auditors. Some programs will target upper management, while others will address rank and file employees. Many programs will be available in Spanish in the near future. Programs will be offered in many formats and locations, including DePaul's suburban campuses in Naperville, Des Plaines, Lake Forest and Oak Forest.

     The Automotive Industry Action Group's (AIAG) annual quality survey recently reported that more than 92 percent of its respondents consider a company's ISO9000/ QS9000 compliance status in selecting subcontractors.

     In 1998, the most recent year for which statistics are available, 271,966 companies worldwide had achieved certification by the ISO. The United States led the way that year with the most new companies (6,406) gaining certification. Internationally, the electrical and optics equipment industry has the most certified companies, followed by the basic metal and fabricated metal industry, machinery and equipment, construction, and wholesale and retail trade industries.

     AIAG's survey compared costs versus benefits of certification and continuous process improvement to illustrate its value and found that companies received a 3 to 1 return on investment for implementation costs and 26 to 1 return for ongoing costs.

     Illinois manufacturing companies that enroll may qualify for Prairie State 2000 Authority Employer Training Assistance Program (ETAP) Grants to defray up to half of the program's cost. Contact Prairie State 2000 Authority at 312/814-2700 for more information.

     To reach DePaul's Quality Institute contact Millunchick at 312/362-6327 or visit the institute's Web site Quality Institute .