As we discussed in our previous classes, we have discussed that an organization must always continually collect data in order to keep control of their processes. However, how exactly does an organization take control of a process that may need improvement or otherwise a routine check-up? Keeping up with a process that your organization has may be a daunting task due to the fact that the organization already has so many tasks and duties to keep up with. As the article explains, one must “look closely as to how you’re collecting data”. Machine, Part and Shift data are all very important aspects as far as collecting data goes but what exactly do these mean and how are they relevant to your organization?
Machine Data
- As the article explains, there may be a machine that will be ultimately responsible for quality criteria. Being able to identify where exactly the data came from by identifying the machine is an excellent way of identifying quality errors and could help to finding the problem of quality criteria failures. Instead of giving the whole overall process such as “Line 1”, you can specifically assign the work line from “Line 1” to “Machine 1” and could help to easily identify where exactly a certain product may have come from or where the problem may have came from.
Part Data
- Part data refers to the manner in which you may collect data. Most people may collect data in “parts” and therefore may not have the biggest organizational picture. As the article explains, one must go in to great detail and must expand their data collection when collecting their “samples” and “parts” of data to more closely represent the organization. A good source of collected data, can be better use for the organization and can help to provide a clearer picture.
Shift Data
- A human component is always present as the article explains and a manager must be able to take account for the human aspect of any part of their aspect. One manner in which a manager can collect data is by looking at the different shifts and comparing to see how they are doing. Is the earlier shift producing more quality accepted products than the late night shift? If so, what can be done to fix it? etc. A good manager will always make sure to look at the organization at every part and not just as a whole
As we have explained in class, collecting data and being able to use data to better reflect and improve the organization can help to better overall total quality management. It may not be the employees or process that may need a check-up, but rather what is it that the manager can do to fix their process or better yet, what is it that they can do to improve it? How do you feel about having constant quality improvement even when the organization may not need it? Is it necessary to always “fix something that’s not broken”? How can one go in to more detail when collecting data?
The article you have chosen is very interesting. The questions you have addressed are most likely those that production and operations managers find themselves facing. While a system may be working now, there is always the possibility for a better system out there that could save the company money or produce a product more efficiently. While I feel that managers should not become obsessed with finding new systems if theirs works, it is also necessary to be open to new possibilities and opportunities as markets grow and technology advances.
Great post! I think this is an issue that so many companies are facing right now. It is harder for many companies to stay in business, and it makes sense for them to not want to spend the extra dollar on finding a better data management system or even focus on it when the company isn’t having any issues with it. I just wrote a blog regarding IBM’s “Smarter Planet” concept. IBM is enforcing new methods to help companies save money and be more environmentally friendly at the same time. IBM is enforcing new management systems to make this happen. IBM isn’t the only company who is doing this, there are several. So, I think that managers and executives that are considering ways to improve their company should turn to bigger companies like IBM to help them achieve a better management system. Who knows, the end result may be that the company saves money and looks very socially responsible at the same time.