Many of us High Technology employees face increases in global competition, shorter time-to-market windows, and greater industry regulations – we say things like “Why is my job getting more complicated without any more training and support!”.  However, by understanding what these industry changes are and how to adapt, we have the chance to become transformational leaders within our own organizations, and leverage them to elevate our own value, job security and pay.

Keeping Current – The Product Realization Certificate Program

To help those of us involved directly in the Product Realization Process (ie. how we get products to market), National University, California’s second-largest private, non-profit institution of higher education, and the SofTEQ Group, a leading provider of integrated product development solutions for original equipment manufacturers, have partnered to deliver a continuing education unit accredited, certification program that covers all aspects of the product realization process includes a Product Realization Overview, Product Realization Strategies, The Engineering Environment, Configuration Management and Change Control, and Supply Chain Management.

These modules contain some recent developments that you may want to learn more about including:

• Integration between business systems (Engineering tools, PLM, ERP, CRP, etc.)
• Automation of manual and/or paper processes
• Meeting regulatory requirements (FDA, RoHS, ITAR, etc.)
• Elimination of reliance on tribal knowledge (the “Hey Joe” method – only Joe may now be located in China!)
• Communicating / controlling information throughout a global design/supply chain

“National University is pleased to offer this program that was developed in partnership with leading industry experts,” said Charlene Ashton, Ed.D., associate regional dean for National University’s San Jose campus. “It is clear that participants will have a new understanding of how they can improve their organization’s processes through the use of cutting edge tools and industry best practices. It is also a rare opportunity for students to have access to the people who are at the forefront of developing the next generation product realization tools and strategies.”

“With the growing needs in maintaining current and accurate information, there is more to keep track of with fewer people,” stated Jeff Beumer, a seasoned Silicon Valley document control manager. “I have been looking for training courses that give a more extensive view of the whole business environment to train individuals in how their decisions affect them and their company. As a hands-on manager, I’m faced with more complexities, such as the off shoring of manufacturing and documentation to support the European Union’s restriction of hazardous substances directive, which is an example of new and changing requirements in today’s industry. When I found out about the new product realization certification program being developed in partnership with the SofTEQ Group and National University, I was impressed that it offered a comprehensive curriculum, was taught by practicing industry veterans and included a professional forum to learn from and interact with my peers.”

The product realization certification program provides an opportunity for individuals, such as document control, design engineers and program managers, and operations / supply chain personnel (including managers) who are interested in the development and release of physical products, to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the product realization process. All courses are presented by practicing subject matter experts.  To learn more about the program, please contact Charlene Ashton at (408) 236-1101 or email at cashton@nu.edu.