Quality Focus

Every WESCO program has the same goal—to provide total customer satisfaction. WESCO's company-wide quality process drives each WESCO program, providing meaningful and measurable performance improvement for every WESCO initiative.

LEAN
Fueled by continued challenging economic times and increased cost pressures from customers, WESCO was searching for a sure-fire approach to achieving significant gains in operating and sales performance. Although recognized predominately as a manufacturing-driven initiative, WESCO realized the key ingredients of the LEAN process would help in reaching these goals.

Within a span of six months, WESCO's LEAN Initiative has grown from a single branch pilot effort to a large scale, company-wide program encompassing seven key initiatives, the successful conversion of nearly 100 branch operations and an impressive track record of results - all driven by a highly-focused team committed to the ongoing success of the program. WESCO plans to expand LEAN to all aspects of the business enterprise including conversion of 350 branch locations, 5 distribution centers, key support organizations, and engaging key suppliers and customers.

LEAN has sparked a new level of energy, enthusiasm and momentum at WESCO, and is recognized as the engine that will drive continuous improvement, the key to gaining long-term competitive advantage and the tool to achieve business excellence.

SIX SIGMA
As a perfect compliment to LEAN, in 2003 WESCO began implementing the disciplined data analysis and improvement methodologies of Six Sigma, targeting three main areas of operations:

• Increasing customer satisfaction
• Reducing cycle time of operational processes
• Reducing process variation and eliminating defects

The applcation of Six Sigma methodologies to WESCO's National Accounts operations has resulted in various process improvements that will benefit all WESCO customers.

ISO
WESCO maintains a documented Quality Management System aligned with requirements of ISO 9001-2000. Its aim is to enhance customer satisfaction. The system provides a solid foundation for our LEAN process and Six Sigma methodologies. ISO registration certificates are held at strategic sites in the US and Canada. LEAN and Zero Defects Initiatives (ZDI) complement the process-based ISO system with specific plans and projects that improve quality, eliminate waste and reduce costs. LEAN and ZDI also address ISO requirements for continual improvement.