From Bangers to Burgers – One Woman’s Journey Through Quality

Susan Gluodenis

ASQ Philadelphia – Women in Quality

February 2009

Agenda

Definitions Career History

Bangers to Burgers – In the Beginning Transition to Industry The Journey Continues …

Achievements Lessons Learned Traits for getting ahead

Definitions

Banger (bang er)⋅ (British informal) term for sausage Traditionally cooked by frying, grilling or roasting prior to eating. Due to their habit of often exploding due to shrinkage of the tight

skin during cooking, they are commonly referred to as bangers The designation banger is also said to have arisen during WWII.

Scarcity of meat led many sausage makers to add water to the mixture, making it more likely to explode on heating.

Burger (burg er)⋅ An Americanism extracted from hamburger A sandwich consisting of a bun, a cooked beef patty, and often

other ingredients such as cheese, onion slices, lettuce, or condiments.

Bangers to Burgers – In the Beginning Academic Beginnings

UK - PhD Analytical Chemistry

USA - Postdoctoral research analytical chemist

Transition to industry

Joined Sunoco in 1992

R&D Analytical Laboratory Supervisor (2 years)

Transition to manufacturing Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor (6 years)

Introduction to ISO 9001 Laboratory equipment calibration Auditing QS9000 - automotive industry

The Journey Continues …

Sunoco Chemicals Key products include

Polypropylene synthetic fibers for carpets, upholstery fabrics, and disposable

diapers automotive applications, including battery cases and interior trim packaging films for food and non-food applications injection-molded caps and closures syringes and vials for medical use

Phenol A component of nylon, pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals Feedstock for bisphenol-A

Used in compact discs and automotive coatings 5 US manufacturing facilities

PA, OH, TX, WV

The Journey Continues …

Quality Manager (3 years) Responsible for QMS for Sunoco JV Managed QC Laboratory

Integrated Management System Coordinator (3 years) Integrated management system for ISO 9001 and Responsible

Care Delaware Valley Chemical Plants

Polypropylene Phenol & Related Products

Manager, Quality & Management Systems (2 years) Sunoco Chemicals integrated management system

Manufacturing Commercial

Achievements

Consolidated audit schedule Reduce number of certifications

One top level certificate at MBC; Plants appended Reduce number of third party audits/audit days

Audit sampling plan established Plants: 1 audit every 2 years Integrated third party audits One audit combining elements of ISO 9001:2000 and RCMS Impact on audited employees reduced

Employees audited one time only Estimated cost savings of $17K per year

Certificate costs reduced Audit costs reduced Embedded costs from impact on audited employees reduced

Achievements

Plant records control project Records in disarray

In many locations Identified central library as the solution

Capital project Architect designed the room Brought in contractors to equip the room All records moved into the library

Proof that it works Process problem in plant. Team assembled in Records Library. Able to locate all required documents quickly: drawings,

equipment files, equipment specs etc.

Lessons learned

Mentor Influence and support your development Acts as a sounding board for ideas and concerns Helps identify career-related skills, interests and values Helps identify obstacles to career progression and

appropriate actions Communicates the informal and formal realities of

progression in the organization Expands the mentee’s network of professional contacts

Lessons learned

Education Statistical analysis

Parallels to Quality Engineer Certification Auditing

Parallels to Quality Auditor Certification Root cause analysis

Be adaptable Quality management system knowledge and

experience applied to Responsible Care

Traits for getting ahead

Passion For the work you do Your profession

For quality

Eager to learn Thirst for knowledge

Traits for getting ahead

Take responsibility Take the initiative Look for opportunities Identify solutions

Focus Block out distractions The ability to focus leads to desired results

Traits for getting ahead

Work hard You can’t be great without hard work

Network Meet people – lots of different people Make use of ASQ meetings

Summary

Drive, focus and passion Look for opportunities to get ahead