What It Takes To Solve Problems Successfully

Posted by on Jul 7, 2011 in Problem Solving | 0 comments

In a manufacturing environment, problems are usually caused by either a process lack of stability or the process is not capability.  Stability is where a process is producing good product, then something changes, and suddenly there is a problem.  Non-capability is where the process has always produced some bad product.  Both of these problem sources require discovering the variables that combine to create good or bad product.
In addition to discovering those select variables that combine to create good or bad product, the following contributors form a successful problem solving foundation:
  • The combined experience of the team:  Team experience can play a huge role in successfully solving a problem.  Getting the process experts together, including the process operators, can help identify the variables that affect the process.
  • Product and process knowledge:  Seasoned employees who really understand the product and process must be involved.  If key people are missing, a leading process variable could be neglected, making the problem solution unlikely.
  • Use of quality tools and statistical methods:  Quality tools and statistical methods allow the team to convert raw data into information that can generate clues and help identify significant variables.

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