8D Consulting
– Guidance and Direction –
⇓ Introduction to 8D Consulting
⇓ Description of 8D Consulting
Introduction to 8D Consulting
While 8D problem solving might seem as simple as filling out a form, this is far from the truth. Companies that attempt an unguided 8D process experience several issues including a lack of clear goals, a team that doesn’t include the right people and ineffective outcomes.
The 8D requires a Cross Functional Team (CFT) and a rigorous detailed approach. Many organizations faced with a barrage of problems find it difficult to support the activities required to find and fix the root cause. Often they do not have the resources to complete such a task. When this happens, solving a problem takes far longer and you risk potential consequences for customers in the meantime.
When problem solving becomes an overwhelming task, 8D Consulting from Quality-One Experts leads to faster and more effective results.
Description of 8D Consulting
Quality-One 8D Consulting involves understanding your overall problem solving needs and creating a strategy that is time and cost effective. Consultants aid your company by developing the process of problem solving and the application of that process where it will best benefit the organization. Quality-One believes the foundation of any 8D or problem solving process must define and address the following:
- Clarify the Problem Symptom
- Define the Problem Statement and Problem Description
- Identify Root Cause(s) and Escape Points
- Develop and Validate a Permanent Corrective Action (PCA)
- Capture Lessons Learned for preventative actions
- Improve systems and techniques that allowed the problem to exist
The application of the process is equally important. Utilizing 8D will improve the supply chain response to issues and manage the responses to support supply chain performance and development. When applying 8D the following considerations are addressed:
- The number of 8Ds to be managed
- Systems and personnel required to manage the process
- Feedback and Lessons Learned capture and sharing
- Number of suppliers and subcontractors that must be aware of the requirements
- Time requirements for 8D completion
- Training and mentoring requirements
Developing an effective 8D problem solving methodology and managing the 8D process often requires the assistance and guidance of a professional resource. Quality-One can assure that your 8D problem solving process is beneficial to the long-term health of your company and its relationships with customers.
Benefits of 8D Consulting
Here are a few of the benefits that you can expect from a professionally developed 8D problem solving process:
- Reduced customer problems due to fast response
- Better understanding of true root cause(s)
- Permanent solutions by elimination of the root cause
- Improved quality control systems and control plans
- Improved systems to support product development, manufacturing and service
- Increased customer satisfaction and confidence in capabilities
- Root causes and results can be shared for future FMEAs and problem prevention
- Supply chain response consistency using a proven method
- Management reviews of progress following the logic of 8D
- Reuse of 8Ds on similar problems (Global 8D)
Methodology for 8D Consulting
Quality-One uses a 4-step process when consulting services are requested. The steps are described below:
- Assessment of the Current State of Problem Solving
The assessment phase allows the consulting team to diagnose the weaknesses and define the opportunities for improvement. The customer can expect the following:
- Review number of reports being generated
- Sources of symptoms and problems
- Team structure
- Recurring problems
- Quality of Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Measurement capability for quantification of problems
- Capability of Tool use (i.e. Ishikawa / Fishbone, 5 Why, Is / Is Not, etc.)
- Mapping of current state
- Development of the Future State 8D Process
The consulting team will collaborate with the customer to determine the best options. Considerations include culture, knowledge and diversity, as well as systems available to support the future effort. Items discussed in this phase are:
- Appropriate tools required to support 8D
- Map of future state impacting findings of the first phase
- Systems improvements
- Training needs for 8D
- Supplier engagement on 8D
- Procedures and Work Instruction updates / development
- Estimates of time and cost savings
- Estimates of effectiveness to be achieved
- Implementation of the 8D Process
The consulting team aligns the organizations resources with training needs. Implementation timing and measurement of milestones are tracked. Items to consider are:
- Training schedule and measurement of effectiveness
- Appropriation of teams to 8D topics
- Monitoring of discipline timing
- Mentoring teams at key disciplines
- Validation and 8D Support
The consulting team reviews the measurement of success and adjusts the process if indicated. A follow-up plan is created, which may include:
- Application of 8D Support resources in Facilitation / Contract Services
- Resources for Auditing and periodic review
- Best practice sharing
- Training for additional stakeholders as process is expanded
- Provide on-going resources for 8D Problem Solving projects
Learn More About 8D Consulting
Quality-One offers Quality and Reliability Support for Product and Process Development through Consulting, Training and Project Support. Quality-One provides Knowledge, Guidance and Direction in Quality and Reliability activities, tailored to your unique wants, needs and desires. Let us help you Discover the Value of 8D Consulting, 8D Training or 8D Project Support.