Error-proofing (“Poka-yoke”)
- Aims to avoid human (and other) errors
Quality Improvement Teams
- Small teams (usually Inter-functional)
- Aim is to solve specific problems; then disband
Theory of Constraints
- Looks at causes of “bottlenecks” that can result in productivity losses
Quality Control Circles
- Ongoing small teams (usually at operational level)
- Can be used for problem-solving or process improvement activities
Improvement Methodologies
- Systematic Problem Solving (“QC Story”)
- Developed by JUSE (Japan Union of Scientists and Engineers)
- Problem-solving effort unfolds as a story from discovery of the problem to the search for a solution and planning for the future.
- Sometimes referred to as “7D” or “8D” methodology (Auto industry)
- Small-step continual improvement (“Kaizen”)
- Breakthrough Improvement (“Process Reengineering”)
- Innovation – New ISO standard under development (ISO 50501)
Suggestions Plans
- Can be motivational and provide ideas for improvement (if properly managed and resourced)
Benchmarking
- Helps identify “best-in-class” performance
- Can be useful to look outside the organization’s own business sector
Just-in-time Inventories (“KANBAN”)
- Helps reduce work in progress
- Reduces working capital and improves cash-flow
