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.

4. Reduce movement of an Input (People, Purchases or Capital)

Reduce movement of both people and ICDs:
Make heavy equipment mobile

No.	Industry SIC	Year	Notes
1	3600	2004	Raytheon increased its missile production by revamping its whole manufacturing system. Even under the new assembly arrangements, four workers were required to pass 45-pound guidance head units down the line by hand. Raytheon's staff built a missile trolley in response: a thin strip of board with 60 or so wheels that cradles the Paveway assembly. For less than a couple hundred dollars, Raytheon eliminated lifting and reduced cycle times by 30%, as well as streamlined production and substantially decreased the chances of on-the-job injuries.
2	3711	2003	On the Symyrna passenger-car line for instance, a worker stands on a moving platform, called a limo, that inches along the body of an Xterra SUV. The limo carries all the tools and parts he needs. The limo cuts down a 20-foot walk back and forth, three times per car.
3	3711	1986	At Honda, from where the welding begins until the finished car is fueled and driven off, no human moves the car–it is done entirely by hooks or conveyors.

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