1. Chapter 33 Implementation

2. Objectives • Develop plans for implementing an improved process • Conduct pilot tests, simulations, etc. • Evaluate results to select the optimal solution

3. Implementation • Once the root cause of a problem has been identified, the next step is to identify a set of potential solutions. • When evaluating a set of solutions it is important that specific criteria be established. • Examples of criteria include: cost of implementation, ease of implementation, maintainability, reliability, organizational acceptance, customer impact, impact to the bottom line, etc.

4. Evaluation Criteria • The criteria have to be relevant, well defined, and a result of team consensus. • Fig 33.1, page 347 depicts a matrix of potential solutions and associated evaluation criteria. • Also depicted are the weights of associated criteria.

5. How are criteria values determined • 1. Pilot run: A pilot run is a short limited production run for a specific time or quantity of output. It provides insight into issues or problems that can be corrected prior to full scale implementation. • 2. Simulation: Simulation provides the ability to implement solutions offline but draw conclusions regarding how the process improvements will operate online. Simulations must be verified and validated before use. • 3. Model: Models are a miniature version of whatever is being developed. • 4. Prototype: A representation of the actual product in terms of form, fit, and functionality. Allow you to adjust product and process.

6. Organizational Needs During an Improvement Implementation • 1. Infrastructure: Examples include changes to hardware, software, training, acquisition of talent, organizational changes, facilities, etc. • 2. Communication plan: Communication has to start at the top. The message must cascade down until it reaches those who need to know. • What is communicated: Who, what, when, where, and why. No communication should raise more questions than it answers. • When it is communicated: Just prior to the implementation schedule. • 3. Competition for time, energy, and resources: Outline the requirements for implementation in advance and secure approval by management with a sign off. • 4. Management commitment: Management must be visible, active, and engaged to ensure a successful implementation.

7. Summary • Once the root cause of a problem has been identified, the next step is to identify a set of potential solutions. • The criteria have to be relevant, well defined, and a result of team consensus. • A pilot run is a short limited production run for a specific time or quantity of output. It provides insight into issues or problems that can be corrected prior to full scale implementation. • Prototype: A representation of the actual product in terms of form, fit, and functionality. Allow you to adjust product and process. • Infrastructure: Examples include changes to hardware, software, training, acquisition of talent, organizational changes, facilities, etc. • Management commitment: Management must be visible, active, and engaged to ensure a successful implementation.

8. Home Work • 1. Give examples of criteria to evaluate a set of potential solutions. • 2. What is the advantage of a pilot run? • 3. What is the advantage of a prototype? • 4. Give examples of infrastructure requirements.