Custom Problem Solving Process
Development and Implementation
Project Summary
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Our Client: |
US-based
manufacturer of industrial machine components |
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The Project:
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The
client produces precision machine components for a worldwide
customer base in a highly competitive industry. Senior management was
unhappy with their ability to solve manufacturing quality and safety
related problems and respond to customer complaints in a world class
manner. Over the years, they had experimented with a number of formal
and informal problem solving processes and were disappointed with the
results. |
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APS' Mission: |
Work
with key company personnel to select a standardized problem solving
methodology that would be implemented company wide. Train all company
employees on the principles and application of the problem solving
process. |
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The Challenges: |
Because of some unique characteristics of their organization, the client
felt that none of the most commonly used
problem solving methodologies were a perfect fit for their company. In
addition, they wanted one single universal process that could be used
for addressing customer complaint and nonconformance issues and also be
used for continuous improvement efforts. |
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APS' Approach: |
APS
formed a project team of experienced industrial problem solving and training
specialists. APS worked with the client to assemble a
cross-functional team consisting of key personnel from various
departments. Working closely with the team, we designed a customized
proprietary problem solving process, taking the best elements from
popular industry-standard processes, while leaving out the elements that
did not fit with their unique requirements.
The result was a
customized, team-oriented problem solving process that they could call
their own. Once we had designed the process, APS developed documentation
for the process that included problem solving forms, worksheets, and
comprehensive training materials.
APS provided
instructors to conduct the training on-site at the client's facilities.
The training was conducted across all shifts in two phases:
- Key personnel
who would be designated as problem solving team leaders were given
24-hours of training that included both theoretical and practical
applications (case studies).
- All other
company employees were given a minimum of three hours of training on
the problem solving process including an overview of how the process
works and expected outcomes of each process step. This training
included everyone from entry-level hourly employees to top level
corporate management.
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The Results: |
The
net result was an organization that has the ability to assemble
effective cross functional problem solving teams on a moment's notice,
selecting team members from anyone in the organization. By providing
training to all employees, we established a common problem solving
language that is now institutionalized as part of their corporate
culture.
Once the problem
solving process was implemented, the client was able to show distinct
measurable improvement in all of the initially stated problem areas
and apply the process to new areas as well.
A few years later,
we are proud to say that this company remains a successful and viable
US-based manufacturing business in a volatile and competitive market
that has seen many similar companies fold under the pressure of global
competition.
Learn more about our
Problem Solving Services
Read more
Project Summaries
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For
more information on how APS can help your organization, email us at info@aps-online.net
or call Greg Pancerev at 610-987-4050.
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