ARDEC wins gold for excellence in Lean and Six Sigma

Francis J. Harvey, the Secretary of the United States Army, has identified three commands for distinction in establishing and practicing good business processes. Amoing them is U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., which won gold for excellence in the practice of Lean and Six Sigma. This command has established a benchmark for other Army commands to adopt.

ARDEC has more than 2,500 employees, and has distinguished itself in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement analysis, and knowledge management accomplishments during 2004. The silver went to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, while Minnesota Guard took the bronze. Army News Service quotes Dr. Joseph A. Lannon, ARDEC director:

“Our objective is to be the best organization possible. Through our dedication to an integrated approach to continuous improvement, we ensure that the real winners in this achievement are the war fighters whose lives depend on the best technical armament solutions and support to develop and field products in the shortest time possible.”