Example Reflection- Mind Mapping

Challenge & Selection

The first tool I used was the tool of Mind Mapping, to achieve the shared objective of my manufacturing  organization and subsequently it leads to customer satisfaction and enhance brand goodwill in the  market. Being a part of 2 wheeler automobile sector as a quality assurance manager, I frequently came  across with critical defect termed “Part Mismatch”. In automobile manufacturing process, there are  several different types of vehicles models/variants assembled at the same time. This leads to enhance  the possibility of part mismatch/interchange among various models/variants and subsequently results  non conformity of quality standards. Challenge was tangible: Identify & eliminate the process lacuna and  upgrade the skill set of employees in assembly process.

Application

I started the process by analyzing past data of all type of part mismatch cases. It helped in looking for  patterns & themes in data. Process & employee are the two variables which contribute in defect  generation. In manufacturing process change in sequence of vehicle assembly incorporated in  accordance with its attributes like color/model, this results in creating pattern of part recognition for  employees indulge in assembly process. Employees were educated for key visual change point  identification, specifically during convergence of model/variant. It assisted them in reorganization of  inter-model & intra-model part mismatch. Let’s understand with an example for better visualization:

A company produce 3 products titled A, B & C at an assembly line. There are numerous parts which are  interchangeable among them. Sequence of production fixed in a certain way (i.e. BAC) to standardize  the process and pattern reorganization. This leads to assist employees in mismatch identification as they  are now aware about production sequence. Visual identification of mismatch know how were imparted  to them for easy identification of defects.

Insight

Use of mind mapping design tool helped in visualization of current process patterns & themes. It also  leads to generate curiosity within myself that why this sequence is in this way, what can be done to  improve it to gain more effectiveness with same resources or with minimal change. Problem paves the  way for better and sustainable solution approach.

Approach

Since I discovered that the most valuable aspect is the shared insights and learning, next time I would  use the visualization activity as a starting point for a series of design thinking activities. Visualization also  leads to open the horizon of innovative solution approach.

