Reduce Unique ICDs by Redesigning the Product 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: Deliver information to or from user: Product information, including specs and delivery:
Product and service availability

No.	Industry SIC	Year	Notes
1	5331	2004	Executive vice president of marketing at Henkel Adhesives saw a spike in duct tape demand when the terror alert was raised to orange. Wal-Mart, one of Henkel's key customers, helped ease the burden during this time. Using Wal-Mart's online Retail Link system, which gives its suppliers daily point-of-sale data, Henkel tracked inventory levels at Wal-Mart's regional warehouses.
2	5411	1987	Stop & Shop's superstores now have interactive videos to provide instant maps for customers to find items in the store.
3	5942	2004	Many items on Amazon now display a ticking clock that counts the time left for an order to make it to a customer by the next day. The software is sophisticated enough to figure the customer's location and where within Amazon's network of warehouses the product is stored.
4	6531	2002	Both zipRealty and eRealty say they can afford to charge lower commissions because they automate many services traditionally performed by an agent, such as notifying home buyers of new home listings that fit their criteria.
5	8000	2007	Text messaging services are using government advisories and scientific studies to allow consumers to determine food safety and get instant health information on their cell phones. Smile Reminder lets businesses such as dentists and spas automatically send text and emails to remind customers of appointments.
6	8062	2007	Doctors and hospitals are employing mobile technology to improve patient care. Doctors use mobile devices to access and update patient records and send prescriptions to the pharmacy. Applications are in the works which would allow doctors to give dictation and find treatment advice. Donor centers are working on a program that would allow administrators to quickly see which doctors are available to transplant an organ.

<<Return to Reduce Unique ICDs in Process