Statistical Process Management
01 January 2002
At a large-scale Lucent Technologies facility, the systemic implementation of a web-based process control system has facilitated substantial efficiency gains and fundamentally changed the culture of the operation. The system provides real-time graphical, audio, e-mail, and paging alarms to production associates and other subscribers. A SWAT team led by production associates, and supported by engineering, supervision, and the quality organization then mobilize and descend upon the production process in question to resolve the issue. Results are recorded and compiled to build historical information and target areas for improvement. Response times are monitored and given factory-wide visibility. The entire process represents a dramatic change from the pre-implementation mode of operation and manufacturing operations now realize near daily cost savings, quality improvements, and delivery breakthroughs.