David we ask teams to track their sigma level, categorize errors made
and analyze them. We provide extensive training on a number of problem
solving tools and statistical process control. For the type of errors
it sounds like you are seeing we focus on Vigilance problems and
Perception drift in inspection and / or routine procedures and how to
avoid them - breaking up the routine, enhancing faults to make them more
visible, providing background and context clues, using overlays or
visual aids, check lists, clearly defined operational definitions and
frequent Job rotation. Results of the tracking are charted and posted
int he area.
Once a week the VP of Manufacturing and the director of production walks
through each area and talks with one or two representatives of each
team. the discussions focus on what they are doing to improve and what
they need in terms of resources / support to make the improvements
happen. This system isn't that old for us but the initial results have
been very good. the teams that began this process have made some
significant improvements, one of our areas is pushing 5 sigma.
If you are making teams responsible for the errors and fixing them they
need the resources in terms of "tools" to use and access to the
information and people who can help them "manage their monkey."
Tina M. Kennealy
tina.kennealy@cho.ge.com
--"Tina Kennealy (PO1)" <kenneat1@po1.net.cho.ge.com>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>