4 Rules of Process: Rule #3

It must be easy to execute on the job

About four weeks prior to this post we had a technical service person from the equipment manufacturer onsite working with us on some process and programming improvements we requested to be completed. It was towards the end of the week and he would be leaving after the next day.

He was able to witness one of our processes where we filled some generic cans with just water. That water is tested by our lab for sanitation specifications. It was a simple process – if you knew how to do it. What was required was to follow a specific sequence of manually opening valves using an HMI (Human Machine Interface) screen. Filling the cans. Then reversing the process so any excess water could be drained.

One problem…if you were unfamiliar with the screen pictured above – an “easy” 3 step process can be challenging to execute. Imagine how you’d feel looking at all the icons on the screen and not knowing which ones to press or what risk there is to selecting the wrong ones. Daunting right?

Breaking Rule #3

If a process isn’t easy to follow because of various obstacles (problems with equipment, materials, schedules, instructions, etc.) workers will be forced to work “around the system” to get the job done; this will produce differing results.

Making a process easy to execute on the job is important for a number of reasons. Here are a few:

• It reduces the risk of errors: When a process is easy to follow, it’s less likely that mistakes will be made. This can help to improve the quality of the work and reduce the need for rework or corrections.
• It saves time: When a process is easy to follow, it can be completed more efficiently. This can help to reduce the time required to complete the work, which can be especially important in fast-paced or time-sensitive situations.
• It improves morale: When a process is easy to follow, it can be less frustrating for those carrying out the work. This can help to improve morale and increase job satisfaction, which can have a positive impact on team performance.

There are a few things that can be done to make a process easy to execute on the job. One is to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make it easier for those carrying out the work to understand what needs to be done and how to do it. Another is to provide the necessary resources and tools to make the work easier. This could include things like clear instructions, templates, or specialized equipment. Finally, it’s important to ensure that those carrying out the work have received proper training and understand the process fully. This can help to reduce confusion and improve efficiency.