Problem solving and continuous improvement

A few simple techniques together with a systematic approach form the foundation for these activities. A training course can be as short as a couple of hours or as long as three days, depending on the needs and capabilities of the delegates. The examples used during the courses are adapted to your business and are based on your own, real problems whenever possible.

Basic problem solving
The emphasis is on identifying the root cause of a problem. The course gives an introduction to the approach and the core methods which include Pareto analysis, cause and effect diagrams, division of data into categories, check sheets, histograms, and scatter diagrams.

Further problem solving
Additional techniques which build on the basic tools and are particularly relevant for problem solving teams.
• How to define loosely worded problems
• How to choose and refine measures of performance
• Use of SPC results and multi-vary plots to eliminate groups of possible causes
• Experiments which do not vary process conditions

Design of experiments
Methods for checking the effects of possible causes and improving performance.
• Shainin methods - vary one factor at a time
• Taguchi methods - vary combinations of factors in selected sequences
• Full factorial experiments when a few factors have complex relationships
• Evolutionary Optimisation - trials which do not interrupt normal production

Remedy and control
Tools to select an effective remedy for the problem which does not introduce new problems.
• The advantages of different methods of control
• Process flow modelling
• Risk assessment ( a simplified version of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis )
• Simplified versions of PERT and Gantt charts

People skills
Team working, brainstorming and effective meetings are a key element of effective problem solving. We include training in these topics, but the balance between people skills and technical skills depends on the needs of the organisation and of the delegates. We are flexible and willingly modify the content and the approach according to the demands of the day.