Reduce Unique ICDs by Redesigning the Produce or the Process

The objective of this activity is to reduce the number of ICDs by reducing the occurrence of an ICD in producing a unit of Output, or by reducing the number of separate ICDs used in the Output. A unique ICD is one of the key activities in the work center's contribution to the final product (O). It is separate and distinct from any other activity in the work center. For example, the fastening of a part onto a subassembly and a quality control check of the subassembly would be unique ICDs.

B. Redesign the process of producing the ICD or Output

Change the process used to produce the ICD or Output to eliminate activities.

3. Automate an ICD

Write software to automate a repetitive task:
Schedule work

No.	Industry SIC	Year	Notes
1	3570	1992	DEC simplified its order fulfillment system. Order processors use an expert system to configure each product, then coordinate production and shipment of each part to one of DEC's new consolidation centers. Even before the component parts arrive, employees prepare the shipping documents and schedule a carrier for final delivery. The new process reduces the number of transactions, streamlines the distribution flow, improves delivery time, and increases the accuracy of orders.
2	4100	1986	SuperShuttle to replace its current voice-based dispatching system with a computerized system. Each van will soon be equipped with video terminals that silently display dispatching information to help route the shuttles.
3	4212	2004	Owens Corning this week expanded a Web portal that gives trucking companies status reports on upcoming or in-process freight shipments. The company plans to launch next week an appointment system for trucks so that drivers won't have to wait in line.
4	4213	1997	New Penn is improving its freight-costing system, using on-line customer service information, and has developed a computerized line-haul dispatch system, which should help to combine partial loads and eliminate empty miles.
5	8000	1994	Kevin Clark had success with the travel-nurse business (nurses take up temp. positions at other hospitals). Clark brought network of computers to the mom-and-pop business, and huge international database. Even found housing for nurses.
6	8011	2007	In order to provide better quality care to their patients, some doctors are leaving traditional practices and developing high-technology, low overhead offices. Traditional group practices often focus on revenue rather than patient care, encouraging doctors to see more patients in a day to boost revenues. Doctors can use automated services to handle scheduling, billing and patient care.
7	8062	2006	Veterans' Hospitals are now national leaders in efficiency and quality because of a large dose of technology. With all the savings made from overhauling the VA's pharmacy, the VA system created Vista's electronic health record. The agency's programmers began designing applications to help schedule appointments, track lab results, and perform other routine tasks. By 1999, Vista was installed at every VA facility in the country.

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