“Indústria Amazonense helps to preserve our forest”, says Erlen Montefusco

In 30 years, the Amazonas Quality Program (PQA) has awarded 541 public and private organizations from Amazonas and other states, becoming a reference in the country. In a statement to In timethe manager of the Department of Assistance to Medium and Small Industry (Dampi), Erlen Montefusco, tells details about the program that provides improvements in the quality of products and processes in the Industrial Pole of Manaus (PIM) and in public and private organizations of all segments.

Erlen Montefusco, the professional who has been following the project since 2001, saw the PQA become a reference in Brazil. Created in 1991 across the country, but less than ten states still maintain the program. In the year 2023, the awards ceremony for the organizations will take place on December 1, held by the Department of Assistance to Medium and Small Industry (Dampi) of the Federation of Industries of the State of Amazonas (FIEAM).

In time – What is the Amazonas Quality Program (PQA)?

Erlen Montefusco — The PQA is a State Program for Quality and Productivity founded in 1991 by FIEAM, through a committee composed of technicians Iracema Rodrigues (FIEAM-DAMPI); Roberto Lavor (FUA); Teófilo Said Neto (SEBRAE); Rosa Pontes dos Santos (SUBSECON); Guajarino de Araújo Filho (FUCAPI) and Wladimir Mendes Rocha (AAGCQ). The purpose of the PQA is to provide methodologies and tools to improve the quality of products and processes at the Industrial Pole of Manaus (PIM) and, subsequently, at public and private organizations of all segments.

ET — Why has the PQA become a reference in Brazil?

Erlen Montefusco — The PQA was founded and maintained by FIEAM, which since 1991 provided all the conditions for its activities to be carried out during these 32 years.

In 1991, with the creation of the State Program for Quality and Productivity (PBPQ), all states of the Federation had to found a PBPQ, but over the years most of the Quality Programs were discontinued, which is why we can emphasize that, the support of the Federation of Industries System was the differential for PQA to continue contributing to public and private organizations in Amazonas.

ET — What is the main product of the PQA?

Erlen Montefusco — As the main product, the PQA has the Amazonas Quality Award, which also has the same acronym PQA. The Award had its first cycle held in 1994 and had the presence of three registered organizations, today after 30 years we have for the current cycle, seventy-three (73) registered organizations. The award has already recognized 541 organizations during their relevant trajectory in favor of quality, productivity and competitiveness.

ET — How does the award process work?

Erlen Montefusco — There are six stages for the award: starting with Enrollment, Delivery of Reports, Individual Analyzes and Consensus by the Evaluating Board, Technical Visits, the Management Show Event today Quality Fair and the Delivery of the Award called Qualishow.

Best practices in Process Improvement, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Organizational Management are awarded.

ET — What is the PQA theme for 2023

Erlen Montefusco — This year we adopted the theme Quality in Connection with Sustainability for the Industrial Development of the Amazon, thinking of reinforcing the commitment of organizations in the Amazon, especially the Industries with Environmental Sustainability. We know that in the Industrial Pole of Manaus (PIM), the commitment to the environment must be a priority, since we have strict rules that industries need to comply with, and these, being in the Amazon, need to set a good example. It is important to point out to the whole country that the Amazonian Industry helps to preserve our forest.

ET — What activities precede the award?

Erlen Montefusco — We can emphasize that the decisive activities for the award process occur from the delivery of the reports. A panel made up of three volunteer evaluators evaluates the Process and Management reports and proceeds to checks, in loco, which we call technical visits.

During this period, which varies from 4 hours to two days, the team looks for evidence that corroborates what was written in the report. From this evaluation, the finalists of the Award who participate in the Exhibition of Management and Improvements for Quality that, since last year (2022) take place within the Quality Fair, there the participants present to a Committee of Judges who represent the national movement of quality.

This year, the Quality Fair will take place from October 18th to 21st at Studio 5 Shopping and Conventions. And the awards will take place at the Diamond Center, on December 1st.

ET — Have there been any changes to the assessment material for this year?

Erlen Montefusco — Yes, we refined all three themes of the Process Modality in order to align understanding and more accessible language, facilitating the participation of organizations that do not have exclusive departments for quality management, as we have an old partnership with SEBRAE that enables micro-enterprises to participate in the PQA.

ET — What is the main feature of the 24th Mostra? Or is there no difference from the previous ones?

Erlen Montefusco — For this year, our biggest differential will be the 2nd edition of the Quality Fair in a more robust format, we will have, in addition to the environment for the presentation of the finalists, 73 stands from organizations of various segments in an area of ​​7,550m² for exhibition.

ET — Why should companies invest in quality and management?

Erlen Montefusco — Participating in the PQA provides the organization with a systemic view of its processes and management. The instruments used are a national reference and were developed based on international awards such as Malcom Bridge, which also aims to recognize the best performances.

I’ve already heard several reports from organization managers, commanders of military organizations, who pointed out participation in the PQA as a watershed for improving Organizational Management.

ET — How long have you worked at the PQA?

Erlen Montefusco — My history with PQA goes back a long way, it started at the end of 2001, I started as an intern and it changed my professional life. Until then, I had already tried other graduations, without being sure what I really wanted as a profession, that’s when I found PQA and quality became a mission.

Since then, it’s been 22 years and I owe PQA the opportunity to get to know many organizations, history of resilience and a large part of our immense Amazon, I imagine that no other job would give me such a rich opportunity as this one.

I am grateful to FIEAM for having this unique opportunity to be at the forefront of the largest Quality and Productivity Program in the country.

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