by Jeff Sacre, GLEMP Administrator & Mike Haller, Operations Manager

The members of the GLEMP (Global Laboratory Evaluation & Management Program) met at the Hyatt Airport Hotel in Pittsburgh on September 25th, 2008.  The GLEMP member representatives discussed the first round of "shared-cost" laboratory reviews during the morning session.  Members noted that the reports exceeded their expectations in terms of the comprehensiveness and objectivity of the information conveyed.

They agreed that this "pilot program" effort exceeded the value that they had anticipated from these reviews.  Members indicated that they would have had to pay much more to conduct such reviews on their own, and noted that the laboratories likely will generate savings from the elimination of some redundant customer visits.  GLEMP's contractors were also present and offered their feedback to the initial effort.  All participants/attendees then combed the process for gathering information and identified opportunities for additional streamlining and process improvement for the next round of "shared-cost" laboratory reviews, projected to commence early in 2009.

The final meeting session focused on the GLEMP performance evaluation (PE) program.  A quick review of the current data maintained and assimilation/presentation options allowed for identification of some enhancements.  The online GLEMP performance evaluation (PE) reports available to GLEMP members will be revised to assist in evaluation of the vast amount of valuable data generated from GLEMP's PE studies.  The members and laboratory review contractors noted the value that this information provides both to GLEMP member representatives, as well as to those laboratories participating in the GLEMP PE program.

GLEMP will be exhibiting at the NAEM conference in Memphis on Oct 22-24, 2008.  The GLEMP representatives will be available to answer questions from current and prospective GLEMP members as well as those laboratories that are either current or potential GLEMP laboratory performance evaluation (PE) program participants about activities, programs, and benefits of GLEMP membership.

Separately, you can learn the benefits to GLEMP member companies and participating laboratories at www.glemp.org or by calling the GLEMP office at +1 (412) 826-5003.

For more information please contact Jeff Sacre at jeff_sacre@glemp.org or Mike Haller at m.haller@apgqa.com.