1. 1 ISE 311 - 6 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. 2 ISE 311 - 6 Brainstorming 1. Leader: State problem clearly 2. Group: Make suggestions orally No evaluation at this point 3. Leader: Reword and write down ideas Don’t worry about getting every word down 4. Leader: Encourage participation Not “everyone gets a turn”, but be sure all have a chance to speak 5. Group: Evaluate/rank ideas Use affinity diagrams to group into themes

3. 3 ISE 311 - 6 Nominal group technique 1. Leader: state problem 2. Individuals: Make suggestions in turn Be sure all have a chance for input 3. Leader: display ideas Group member agrees to wording 4. Group: vote for best ideas “Dot” method or ranking 5. Leader: tally votes Identify clear winners 6. Group: discuss top ideas further

4. 4 ISE 311 - 6 Groupware Allows multiple computers to communicate simultaneously. Permits nominal groups to be at different locations. Makes information widely available. May cause information overload.

5. 5 ISE 311 - 6 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. 6 ISE 311 - 6 Systematic structured search Identify management’s 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. 7 ISE 311 - 6 Structured Search: SEARCH SSimplify operations E Eliminate unnecessary work and material AAlter sequence RRequirements CCombine operations HHow often  Eliminate unneeded work  Eliminate work that is not cost-effective  Use the exception principle  Use self-service  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).  Simplify (or eliminate) other operations  Reduce idle/delay time  Reduce material handling costs  Quality (capability) costs  Initial vs. continuing costs  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.  Use economic lot size calculations.  Analyze maintenance, service, and inspection activities.  Use red/yellow/green labels to concentrate resources where needed.