Implementing PATS: A hands-on system MSQPC Newsletter, March 2002 Two Memphis based companies have reached a new understanding of work processes and how internal decisions affect both the supplier as well as the customer. Fed Ex, the overnight package giant, and The Memphis Group, a privately owned and operated aircraft parts provider, met for two days to learn how to shorten process cycle time as well as the importance of including hands-on employees when determining work flow processes. Donald C. Fisher, Ph.D. is the creator of a successful system of on-the-job training and of written processes known as PATS (Process Activated Training System®). PATS was created to help teach companies to utilize their most valuable assets-their employees. This training system teaches a company's subject matter experts (SMEs) to take best practices and eliminates bottlenecks by pinpointing each step in a process. PATS has been an overwhelming success for major companies and organizations such as the United States Postal Service. Fed Ex and The Memphis Group (TMG) conduct business (buying and selling of aircraft parts) however, neither really understood the other's processes and impact on each other. Both companies were surprised at how internal processes affect one another and how communications are vital in synchronizing processes. The greatest benefit of these two days was having a facilitator (Donald Fisher, Ph.D.) lead both companies to agree on efficient processes and the relationships established during the program. TMG has implemented PATS as the internal driver to determine its most critical processes, provide effective on the-job training (OJT), and to eliminate unnecessary steps that cost both money and time. Fed Ex is still considering PATS as a development and training medium. Dr. Donald Fisher is the Executive Director of MSQPC - The Quality Center.