Reflection from Enrico Laterza – Visualization tool

Challenge & Selection

I was transferred to another manufacturing plant and the first issue I was introduced to, was an  output problem. We had a production line, which was able to produce two kinds of products.  Those two products had a demand higher than we could supply. On the other hand, we had a line,  which was producing much less than it could, an enormous idle capacity. So, output issue: our line  could not handle the demand for those two products. Another line with idle capacity. That is what  we had. Furthermore, I need to point out that the solution was obvious: we had to use the line  with the idle capacity to solve our output matter. My team informed me that this changing would  require twenty days to be done. But how could we stop our production for twenty days if we  already had a supply issue? Impossible. The time was our biggest restriction.

With all of this pointed out, I decided to use the visualization tool. It helped a lot, my team, to see  the problem and the steps needed to solve it. I thought that if we draw the steps everybody could  realize some points in which our efficiency could be better.

Application

I started drawing a flowchart with our biggest restriction on the top. Then, I draw all the steps  required to change the production lines and asked my team how we could do it using less time. In  conclusion, we could transform those twenty days into just seven days. Thanks to the visualization  tool.

Insight & Approach

I learned that if we use the correct tools, we could break every paradigm. We cannot accept some  restrictions, which are imposed on us. We must stand up, think, choose the best tool and apply it  correctly. Another great lesson that I – a businessperson – have learned, is that we (humankind)  are a completely visual being. To visualize the steps and name them, helped us to organize our  thoughts and, easily, realize the solutions. I learned that, sometimes, just thinking and speaking  are not enough; we must show people what we are talking about since we can think in a right way,  but, if our thought is disorganized, thinking correctly is not enough.  Design Thinking taught me  that.

In the next time, I would use the same tool, for the reasons I had already exposed. We are visual  beings. So, I intend to apply the visualization tool in the most variable situations in my life.  Although, I would do something differently. Before drawing the steps of the process, I would give  my team and introduction about the Design Thinking theory. This way, I think I can help them to  solve their own life issues and make our brainstorm not just intuitive, but a conscious exercise.

