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.

5. Reduce errors in process

Remove sources of error:
Poor instructions

No.	Industry SIC	Year	Notes
1	3711	2003	Car companies give mom-and-pop auto mechanics access to repair instructions and high-tech diagnostic scanners needed to fix today's computer-controlled vehicles.
2	4512	2008	In an effort to retain customers on the Web, companies are turning to technology tools to monitor their "customer experience." U.S. Airways Group used software by TeaLeaf Technology to find out why some online shoppers didn't book tickets. The software revealed that many customers typed their frequent-flyer number incorrectly, entering the letter "O" instead of the number zero. When the Web site couldn't process an order, it notified customers they had inserted an error without being more specific. U.S. Airways remedied that situation to make the notification clearer, and all customers who had this problem went on to complete the booking process.
3	8011	2007	A free survey developed by Dartmouth Medical School allows doctors to provide better care by providing a one page snapshot of the patient's health. Doctors can evaluate the results before they meet with a patient. Often, patients will be more willing to disclose information that they would not bring up in the course of a standard visit.

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