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.

3. Automate an ICD

Write software to automate a repetitive task:
Find efficient routes between points

No.	Industry SIC	Year	Notes
1	3711	1988	Volvo has a new program, SLIP, that works through many solutions to find the smoothest contour for complicated surfaces. The software runs on any computer-aided-design workstation. It will allow designers to polish their work in minutes, not hours.
2	4215	2006	As oil prices soar, some of the nation's biggest energy consumers are revamping their operations to shrink energy bills. DHL's biggest project is a route optimization program that uses specialized software to restructure and streamline courier deliveries. DHL expects the program to save 3%-5% in fuel costs for the year. FedEx has 18 hybrid vehicles in service and plans to add 75 more later this year.
3	4215	2008	Software start-ups such as Carbonetworks Corp., Optimum Energy LLC, and Verdien Corp. are making new programs to help businesses monitor their energy use and cut fuel bills. UPS began experimenting with a software program it developed itself, which helps optimize driving time on routes by programming, for example, right turns only on certain NYC runs. Using the software, UPS trucks drove 30 million fewer miles, a reduction of 2% in the company's annual global mileage, saving an average of 3 million gallons of fuel a year and reducing carbon emissions by 31,000 metric tons.
4	4513	1997	FedEx and UPS have electronic tracking systems with bar codes to determine the most efficient routes for packages.
5	4800	2007	Several new technologies can allow in-the-field service providers to increase productivity. Real-time routing software lets dispatchers act quickly to improve performance. UPS employs a system that minimizes left turns, reducing fuel costs and time.
6	5800	1988	Pizza making has gone high tech: Computers run many delivery systems, and new types of ovens are cutting down on baking time.

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