What do you do if your process design fails and how can you prevent it?

1 Assess Failure

Once you encounter a failure in your process design, the first step is to conduct a thorough assessment. This involves collecting data on what went wrong and why. You should review the process from start to finish, identifying any deviations from the original design or unexpected outcomes. It's crucial to engage all stakeholders in this evaluation to gain diverse perspectives. Remember, the goal here is not to assign blame but to understand the factors that led to the failure.

3 Revise Design

With the root cause in hand, it's time to revise your process design. This revision should directly address the issues you've identified and work towards a more robust and resilient process. It's important to consider all aspects of the process, including inputs, activities, sequences, and controls. Don't rush this step; a well-thought-out redesign can save you from future failures and the costs associated with them.

4 Test Changes

Before fully implementing the revised design, it's critical to test the changes on a small scale. This allows you to observe the new process in action and verify that the modifications are effective. During this testing phase, monitor performance closely and be prepared to make further adjustments as needed. Testing helps ensure that your design improvements do indeed solve the problem without introducing new ones.

5 Implement Safely

After successful testing, it's time to implement the revised process design. Roll out the changes carefully and systematically to avoid disruption. Training and communication are key during this phase; ensure that everyone involved understands the new process and their role within it. Also, establish monitoring mechanisms to track the performance of the new design and catch any issues early on.