Though the company has fully implemented the Intelex Quality Management System (QMS) and iForms® System, Mission Foods is always thinking of new ways to improve processes and scale up with new initiatives.

Intelex Training Specialist Purdal Mya and iForm® Expert Augustine Chan recently spent three days with Mission Foods Corporate Headquarters in Irving, Texas, to lead system training for a group of 17 Intelex users (seen in photo). The training focused on basic and advanced iForms®, as well as reporting and dashboards.

When I called Carmen Olson, Corporate TQ Manager at Mission Foods, to ask how the training went, she said, “Having Purdal lead the training along with Augustine’s expertise on building iForms was the right combination. Everyone was fully engaged in the class, lots of questions, ideas and some fun too!”

Mission Foods/GRUMA S.A. is the world's largest producer of Maseca corn flour and tortilla products, with production facilities across the Americas, the UK, Holland, Italy and Asia. Its operations and sales extend to the US, Canada, throughout Central America (through Gruma Centro America), and into England, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

See more Intelex Clients or request a demo to learn more about Intelex’s iForms® System and other solutions.

This spring, Intelex is releasing a new version of its software, Intelex 5.1. Intelex users can look forward to hundreds of system enhancements and new products that will optimize the way they’re using the Intelex System.

One of the most exciting products being released with 5.1 is the Custom Data Set Builder, which takes Intelex’s reporting capabilities to a whole new level. The Data Set Builder facilitates robust calculations and analysis of cross-module data, and allows users to combine data from multiple modules to generate organization-wide key performance indicators (KPIs) that open up a new level of transparency into their organization’s performance. The best part is that this new tool can output complex data onto a single report through an easy-to-use, intuitive system wizard. An example of such a report is to pull an employee’s injury data from the Safety Incidents Module and compare it to the related data for that employee within the Training Management Module.
 
Other new products being released with 5.1 include two new suites and seven modules:

Power Tools Suite
A robust set of administrative-level tools, each working to extend the performance capabilities of the Intelex System beyond the standard offering. The suite includes eight tools.

Environmental Compliance Suite
The Environmental Compliance Suite will help your organization comply with today's regulations and meet corporate social responsibility initiatives. The suite includes five modules: Air Emissions, Waste, Wastewater, and Refrigerant Management, as well as Environmental Sustainability Metrics.

Training Quiz Builder
Working in conjunction with the Document Control and Training Management Modules, the Training Quiz Builder enables organizations to develop and administer custom quizzes for competency testing as part of their training program.

Checklist Builder
The Checklist Builder module allows you to develop and administer custom questionnaires, surveys, and checklists for any of your business requirements. This module can be used with Audits Management or can be assigned directly to an employee.

Air Emissions Management
The Air Emissions Management Module enables organizations to effectively track and report on emission factors from multiple point sources, and includes a reporting suite that enables users to translate data into emission reduction plans, tangible energy savings, and overall improved business performance.

Waste Management
This module enables organizations to easily manage, track, and report on the various stages of waste management and disposal, including categorizing potential wastes, tracking generated waste and recycled material, on-site waste treatment, and waste and recyclable shipments.

Wastewater Reporting
The Wastewater Reporting Module enables industrial and municipal facilities to effectively manage Permits, Discharge Points, Parameters and Samples, providing businesses the flexibility to comply with permit requirements while reducing the time and resources necessary to do so.

Refrigerant Management
The Intelex Refrigerant Management System provides an easy and complete solution for tracking and reporting refrigerant usage, leaks, tests, repairs, purchases and disposal while ensuring compliance with refrigerant regulations including EPA 608.

Environmental Sustainability Metrics
Define, add, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) that are most relevant to your business. The Environmental Sustainability Metrics module tracks usage and cost, has a built-in scheduler to generate tasks, includes a unit converter, and can be reported on with data from other modules using the Custom Data Set Builder.

As part of the 5.1 release, Intelex has launched several initiatives to introduce all of the new system enhancements and products to Intelex users, including a 5.1-dedicated website, product videos, webinars, release notes, and more.

To learn more about Intelex 5.1 and our new products, please visit our client portal, Intelex-Exchange. If you do not have access to Intelex-Exchange, please submit a request online.

This Saturday, hundreds of millions of people around the globe will observe Earth Hour by turning off their lights for one hour beginning at 8:30pm local time. Families, offices, businesses, and cities will join together to conserve energy and show their united support for environmental awareness and responsibility.

On March 27 at 5:30pm, Torontonians and friends will gather at Yonge-Dundas Square for an evening of fun-filled, family-friendly activities including arts & crafts, face painters, street performers, and more! There will be Earth Hour Wishing Trees, where people can share their personal wishes for the Earth and pledges for personal contributions to change. The event includes a free concert with performances by R&B artist Jarvis Church and singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk.

If joining thousands on the street isn't your thing, there are countless other ways to enjoy a technology-free evening with friends, family, or on your own. Maybe you'll simply turn off all but one lamp and flip though a magazine, or have some friends over to play board games. You might enjoy a candle-lit dinner with your partner or head to an area where you can view the city unplug from afar.

If, like so many others, you would love to make every hour Earth Hour, here are 10 easy ways you can start:

1. Leave the car at home 2. Eat local 3. Fly less 4. Be energy efficient 5. Use green power 6. Get a home energy audit - and act on it! 7. Hang dry your clothes 8. Work from home 9. Unplug unused appliances 10. Tell your local official Read more about making every hour Earth Hour.

Toronto's Skyline

In 2009 the city of Toronto saw a decrease of 15.1% of electricity during Earth Hour, up from 8.7% in 2008. I'm sure this year we'll see an even bigger decrease. Imagine if we did this more than once a year.

Join the movement and check out what events are happening in your city at www.earthhour.org.

Greener World Media, Inc. (www.greenbiz.com) has published its annual State of Green Business report, which measures the environmental impacts of the green economy. The report provides a recap of 2009's top green stories and looks at 20 measures of environmental performance in the U.S. including carbon transparency, corporate reporting, energy efficiency, GHG commitments, green office space, cleantech investments, toxics in manufacturing, and green power. The 20 topics have been given one of three distinctions: swimming (where companies are making progress), treading (where they're standing still), and sinking (where they're falling behind).

In the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), some thought the slowing economy would have a negative effect on budgets, and therefore, corporate reporting but it seems the opposite holds true. According to the report, "the financial crisis created more pressure from stakeholders, customers and investors for companies to increase transparency and close the non-financial information disclosure gap." While this can be interpreted as somewhat of an achievement, overall, the report finds U.S. companies are at a standstill when it comes to corporate reporting.

Areas where U.S. companies are swimming - clean-energy patents, energy efficiency, green IT and office space, paper use and recycling, and water use.

Although green business may be progressing slowly, it is definitely moving forward. Organizations big and small are taking steps to ensure they are being environmentally responsible, not only in preparation for tougher legislation but also due to the growing consumer interest in corporate sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.

Are you looking for solutions to support your company's environmental initiatives? Learn more about how Intelex can help you with all of your environmental software needs.

To download the State of Green Business 2010 report, visit GreenBiz.com.

Intelex celebrated Ted Grunau Day last week to commemorate its founder and former CEO. Each year, on Ted's birthday, Intelex employees are recognized by their peers for exhibiting qualities and strengths that Ted held in high regard. On February 18th, employees enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in the office, beginning first with a catered lunch and ending with an awards ceremony. From start to finish, Ted Grunau Day was everything it was meant to be - "A day where we can both remember Ted and celebrate the accomplishments of Intelex employees," commented President and CEO Mark Jaine.

Mark, who also hosted the event, added seven awards to last year's 11, bringing the total number of awards to 18, including four Unsung Hero of the Year awards presented to stand-out employees who were nominated in numerous categories. Being highly involved in coordinating the awards, Mark made sure all employees voted, and made sure everything was fair and fun. The comments submitted by voters were read aloud prior to announcing each winner and that was a great reminder of the top-notch qualities, work ethic, and integrity of the Intelex team.

The highlight of the ceremony came at the end when, although Mark had thought he knew all of the winners for Ted Grunau Day, there was one more award to be given out. Just moments after what he thought was the final award was accepted, Mark was presented with his very own CEO of the Year award. He was completely surprised and felt truly honoured for the salute.

Congratulations to all award winners and nominees on being recognized by your peers!

Intelex webinar "Tracking Your Way to Optimal Supplier Performance" sparked so much interest that we're going to offer it again on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010! Bevin Lyon, Intelex Executive Account Manager who has helped dozens of organizations implement supplier management software, will return as your host and subject matter expert to deliver valuable information and answer all of your questions related to supplier performance tracking.

A variety of supplier management concerns were discussed and Bevin also talked about what he believes a company's method of supplier performance evaluation should include: cost, delivery, service, quality, compliance, financial, safety, and information protection, all of which he addressed in further detail.

For instance, when evaluating a supplier's service performance, an organization should ask the following questions: has the supplier resolved discrepancies quickly? Has the supplier failed to respond to inquiries and requests? Does the supplier direct an appropriate level of technology towards customer service and process improvements? 

And in terms of quality performance, has the supplier provided products and services that consistently meet or exceed specifications, standards, and expectations? Does the supplier offer competitive warranties? Does the supplier comply with certification requirements?

To learn more and have your questions answered, register now for Intelex's encore presentation of "Tracking Your Way to Optimal Supplier Performance" on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010.

For more information on this Intelex webinar, or to ask questions about supplier management software, please contact Bevin Lyon at 416.599.6009 x244.

If there was one message prevalent in last week’s webinar, it was Ask Questions. The Intelex webinar, “Unlocking and Utilizing Your Resources: Purchasing Health & Safety Software in the New Economy” provided valuable insight into the process of purchasing EHS software. Though the presentation was initially designed with Health & Safety professionals in mind, the overall theme is relevant to all management areas. 

Presented by Dan Marcus, one of Intelex’s Executive Account Managers, the webinar first identified the must-ask questions when beginning your pursuit for a software vendor. What service types are available? What are the payment options? Dan also touched on ‘how to sell your system up the chain of command’ through writing proposals, defining a quantitative ROI, and allocating resources for implementation:

“In today’s economy there is no room for wasted money. Leveraging software will create a more efficient work environment that acts as a vehicle for cost savings. The no. 1 barrier preventing a professional from purchasing software is a lack of a purchasing strategy. To buy software in the new economy, a professional’s job is not only to understand the cost savings, but to document and prove these saving in a business proposal.”

For more information on Intelex's "Unlocking & Utilizing Your Resources" webinar, or to ask questions about purchasing software, please contact Dan Marcus at 416.599.6009 x335.

Next month, Intelex’s Bevin Lyon will be presenting, “Tracking Your Way to Optimal Supplier Performance”. The webinar will look at different methods for achieving optimal supplier performance. Register online or contact JP Nadeau for more information. 

Geek&Poke

Implementation is commonly referred to as a project, one with clearly defined start and end dates. In some cases, that may be a very accurate description of the implementation process; however, when it comes to EQH&S software, it's a rather limiting description for what Intelex considers implementation.

Bevin Lyon, one of Intelex's Executive Account Managers says, "Continual improvement is something that never ends. Whether you're in the planning stages, in the middle of roll-out, or celebrating five years with Intelex, you are always implementing your system."

Your internal business processes are constantly being improved so why should your software stay the same? Enhancements or configurations to your Intelex system are a must and will contribute to more efficient and streamlined business processes.

If you're interested in hearing implementation stories and sharing best practices with Intelex users, please join us for a unique, one-day conference in Philadelphia on February 10, 2010. This conference is open to clients and future clients. Space is limited. For more information, or to reserve your spot, please contact Kristy Sadler at 416.500.6009 x260.

If you're unable to attend this conference and would like more information about future conferences, please contact us. Intelex is planning more user conferences in select cities in 2010.

It was a Saturday night and the scene was exhilarating. Guests were dressed to impress, food & drink were in abundance, and the venue offered a spectacular 360-degree view of Toronto. On December 12th, 2009 Intelex hosted its annual Christmas party at Panorama Lounge & Restaurant, set atop the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre at Bay & Bloor. Intelexians were invited to bring along spouses, significant others, and BFFs to join the festivities, making it a truly special evening. We ate, we drank, we danced, and we even made some new friends.

In just a few years, the Intelex Christmas party has more than doubled in size and moved from a condo party room to one of the most extravagant restaurants in downtown Toronto. Curious to know how these changes have influenced the general mood of the Christmas party, I asked Nicky, Quality Assurance Manager, to tell me about previous years’ parties. After hearing a few stories I can definitely say that the ambiance of the Christmas party has changed drastically over the years; however, the one thing that has remained consistent is the Intelex culture. It’s something our team celebrates both in and out of the office. Whether we’re working hard, having a few drinks after work, or getting dressed up on a Saturday night for our Christmas party, the Intelex family is just that. Family.

A big thanks goes out to all those who helped us celebrate this holiday season and a special thanks to Mark Jaine, Intelex President & CEO, for treating us to an incredibly memorable night! To my fellow Intelexians, Intelex clients, and clients to be - Happy Holidays & all the best in 2010!