This month, MRO/Distribution News follows up on a story about Motion Industries' Operational Excellence program that PURCHASING Magazine first reported on in its May 6, 2004, issue. The program is designed to improve its internal operations for the benefit of customers and suppliers alike. Says Ellen Holladay, senior vice president of information technology and director of operational excellence: "Our mission is to challenge current processes, service customers better, reduce costs and improve our ability to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace by having the most efficient business model in the industry and to continue to do that." Holladay and the people at Motion Industries are in this for the long haul. So far, they have implemented a totally new billing process at the company's branches and have taken the program to select groups of suppliers and customers. Key to the company's success is a structured methodology and the participation of nearly every employee in the endeavor. In the months ahead, PURCHASING will once again report on the progress of Operational Excellence. Next time, we will take a closer look at some program participants and how they've benefited from taking part in Operational Excellence.