8D Problem Solving? Procedure ?

It often happens that in the production process we have problems of quality, flow, cycle time, organization, supply, etc. In the literature have been developed several tools that define methodologies for solving more or less complex problems depending on their difficulty. Obviously, the ‘price paid’ for the application of these methodologies varies depending on the instrument chosen.

Analyzing these problem-solving methodologies, we drew attention to the 8D method that helps solve problems with medium difficulty in a structured way. It is necessary to allocate enough time and effort to obtain results that will be seen in the next period in saving the organization's money.

The method was developed in World War II by the US Department of Defense and later spread by Ford.

8D helps teams manage quality control and safety issues, develop permanent solutions, tailored to the problems they face and prevent problems from returning. Although at first the 8D Method was applied in production, engineering and the aerospace industry, it proved to be useful in any industry.

As the name suggests, the method is based on an 8-step approach (discipline). We could say that the method is structured as a procedure in the sense that the steps must be followed one after the other.

If we want to be more rigorous and to work methodically and effectively, we must transpose the way of working in a procedure that specifies, among others:

- how to "perform" each step,

- what tools will be used in each step

- who is responsible for the trigger

- what are the starters

- the format used

The big challenge, of course, remains the TEAM, in the sense that the departments involved must send their "ambassadors" to the workshops.

I don't really know if this happens…

What have you experienced about participation?