Search for solutions

1
Search for solutions

• Unstructured search
• Use group techniques
• Brainstorming
• Nominal group technique
• Groupware
• Videotape analysis
• Encourage ideas, discourage criticism
• Avoid groupthink
• Systematic structured search
• Structured search using the acronym SEARCH

2
Brainstorming

• Leader State problem clearly
• Group Make suggestions orally
• No evaluation at this point
• Leader Reword and write down ideas
• Dont worry about getting every word down
• Leader Encourage participation
• Not everyone gets a turn, but be sure all have
  a chance to speak
• Group Evaluate/rank ideas
• Use affinity diagrams to group into themes

3
Nominal group technique

• Leader state problem
• Individuals Make suggestions in turn
• Be sure all have a chance for input
• Leader display ideas
• Group member agrees to wording
• Group vote for best ideas
• Dot method or ranking
• Leader tally votes
• Identify clear winners
• Group discuss top ideas further

4
Groupware

• Allows multiple computers to communicate
  simultaneously.
• Permits nominal groups to be at different
  locations.
• Makes information widely available.
• May cause information overload.

5
Videotape analysis

• Operations are recorded so they can be viewed
  later
• Multiple people can interact during viewing
• Operator can explain video to team
  (autoconfrontation)
• Results of meetings may be potential solutions or
  indications for further analysis

6
Systematic structured search

• Identify managements perception of the problem
• Obtain job descriptions, historical data, and
  management perspective
• See for yourself
• Walk through and observe
• Use a checklist
• Obtain information from the operator
• Get information from the supervisor
• Measure light, noise, dimension, etc.

7
Structured Search SEARCH

• Provide prepared, written information.
• Use jig and fixture designs to simplify
  machining.
• Shift from counting to sampling.
• Use forms, email, phone calls.
• Generate less waste.
• Automate part of a process (e.g. cleaning).

• S Simplify operations
• E Eliminate unnecessary work and material
• A Alter sequence
• R Requirements
• C Combine operations
• H How often

• Eliminate unneeded work
• Eliminate work that is not cost-effective
• Use the exception principle
• Use self-service

• Both general purpose and special purpose
  materials should be considered.
• Specialist job descriptions may be inefficient.
• Central departments allow economies of scale.
• Advances in communications can be used to
  centralize.
• Supervisors may resist consolidation.

• Simplify (or eliminate) other operations
• Reduce idle/delay time
• Reduce material handling costs

• Use economic lot size calculations.
• Analyze maintenance, service, and inspection
  activities.
• Use red/yellow/green labels to concentrate
  resources where needed.