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.

7. Standardize ICDs

Standardize components used in process:
Other

No.	Industry SIC	Year	Notes
1	3639	1991	A European electric appliance manufacturer reduced its manufacturing workforce by 35% by standardizing some materials to the highest necessary standards of the product range and automating the processes that use them. The additional material costs were more than offset by increased productivity.
2	3711	1991	A European auto manufacturer uses the same expensive glue for windows and carpets. This reduces complexity while increasing quality because it eliminates the risk of using the wrong glue.
3	3827	1999	Most contact-lens companies sell a specific brand to many different channels. Ocular Science, however, uses a private branding strategy (it sells the same lenses using different names to different clients).
4	4512	2004	Likewise, having the same planes (737) allows a seamless transfer of passengers in case there is a maintenance problem with one plane.

<<Return to Reduce Unique ICDs in Process