What are the best practices for integrating customer feedback into your agile manufacturing cycles?

Recopila Comentarios Regularmente: Establece canales de comunicación efectivos para recoger comentarios de los clientes de manera regular. Esto puede incluir encuestas, entrevistas, grupos focales, o simplemente un correo electrónico solicitando comentarios. Define Objetivos de Retroalimentación Claros: Antes de solicitar comentarios, define qué es lo que esperas aprender. Esto te ayudará a formular las preguntas correctas y a interpretar los comentarios que recibas. Prioriza los Comentarios: No todos los comentarios son igualmente útiles o relevantes. Aprende a identificar y priorizar los comentarios que pueden tener un mayor impacto en la calidad de tu producto o servicio.

One of the greatest tools for aligning customer inputs/feedback into the systems has been to integrate them into ones network or integrate yourself into theirs. This can be done through a shared platform such as Microsoft Teams or Sharepoint and countless others where limitations can be set to hold access to only this area for related communication and collaboration. This interaction allows for cohesive development and awareness throughout both parties and will develop reliability and trust from both organizations. This visibility and trust can take not only the product but the working relationships to a new level in provider provider client business.

You don't know where to drive if you don't have a map and clear understanding of your destination! Before soliciting insights, define goals—whether it's testing a feature, validating a problem, or gauging satisfaction. Establish criteria for evaluating feedback, considering relevance, urgency, and impact. Clear feedback goals act as your navigation, steering you in the right direction. Without a map, you're lost; similarly, without clear goals, your feedback journey lacks direction. Set your destination and let feedback guide your course.

Establece Metas Específicas: Antes de solicitar comentarios, define claramente qué información necesitas y cómo planeas utilizarla. Esto puede incluir mejorar un producto existente, identificar nuevas oportunidades de mercado o resolver problemas específicos. Selecciona a los Participantes Adecuados: Elige a los clientes que mejor representen a tu base de usuarios. Incluye tanto a los defensores como a los críticos para obtener una visión equilibrada. Utiliza Métodos Diversos: Combina encuestas, entrevistas y grupos focales para recopilar una variedad de perspectivas. Las encuestas pueden proporcionar datos cuantitativos, mientras que las entrevistas y los grupos focales ofrecen información cualitativa más profunda.

1. Definir Objetivos de Retroalimentación Claros Especificidad: Define claramente qué tipo de retroalimentación necesitas y cómo se utilizará. Esto puede incluir aspectos como la calidad del producto, la eficiencia del proceso o la satisfacción del cliente. Medición: Establece métricas específicas para evaluar la retroalimentación, como encuestas de satisfacción, tasas de devolución de productos o comentarios directos de los clientes. 2. Recopilación de Retroalimentación Canales Diversos: Utiliza múltiples canales para recopilar retroalimentación, como encuestas en línea, entrevistas, grupos focales y redes sociales. Frecuencia Regular: Recoge retroalimentación de manera regular para mantener un flujo constante de información.

Encuestas: Las encuestas son útiles cuando necesitas recopilar comentarios de un gran número de personas. Puedes usarlas para obtener una visión general de la satisfacción del cliente, recopilar comentarios sobre un nuevo producto o servicio, o entender mejor las necesidades y preferencias de tus clientes. Entrevistas: Las entrevistas son ideales cuando buscas una comprensión más profunda de las experiencias individuales de tus clientes. Puedes usarlas para explorar en detalle los problemas o desafíos que enfrentan tus clientes, o para obtener una visión más detallada de sus necesidades y expectativas. Grupos focales: Los grupos focales son útiles cuando quieres explorar las opiniones y actitudes de tus clientes en un entorno de grupo.

Selecting the right feedback methods is like choosing the perfect tool for the job. Surveys cast a wide net, ideal for quantitative data, while interviews dive deep for qualitative insights from select customers. Balance is key—considering type, quality, and quantity of feedback, alongside time and resources. At Steelhead, we enhance this by deploying personal interviews post-job shop software launch. This offers direct customer insights. Quarterly surveys further gauge satisfaction, ensuring a pulse on evolving needs. Our customer portal empowers clients to reciprocate, fostering a collaborative feedback loop. These methods design a symphony of insights to drive continuous improvement.

Again, I would suggest for a small company a one-on-one approach using personal emails to your clients or via phone call. For larger organizations, it should be done via a survey either email, main or newsletter. These days a LinkedIn survey could work as well.

Sesiones de Feedback Regulares: Organiza reuniones periódicas con los clientes para discutir el progreso y obtener su retroalimentación. Esto puede ser a través de reuniones en persona, videoconferencias o encuestas en línea. Prototipos y Pruebas: Comparte prototipos y versiones beta del producto con los clientes para que puedan probarlos y proporcionar comentarios antes del lanzamiento final. Grupos Focales: Forma grupos focales con clientes representativos para discutir características específicas del producto y obtener una comprensión más profunda de sus necesidades y expectativas.

Agile manufacturing isn't just about product... it's a collaborative journey with customers. At Steelhead, we embrace involvement, following John Boyd's OODA Loop—Observation, Orientation, Decision, Action. With the guidance of our customers, we co-create solutions to foster trust and loyalty. The dynamic feedback loop ensures our products align with customer needs, reducing the risk of wasted resources and the customers love to be involved, giving the feeling that they are taking total ownership! Clear communication, realistic expectations, and utmost respect for preferences define our approach. This customer-centric dance turns feedback into results!

Integrating customer feedback into agile cycles creates a powerful feedback loop. Multiple channels – surveys, social media monitoring, beta testing programs – can be used to gather real-time insights. These insights are then used to iterate on product designs, features, and functionality throughout the development process. The future of customer integration lies in harnessing the power of big data and artificial intelligence (AI). Imagine a future where customer sentiment is analyzed in real-time, allowing manufacturers to identify emerging trends and adapt their production cycles instantly. AI-powered design tools could analyze customer feedback and translate it into actionable insights for product development teams.

Recopilación de comentarios: La primera fase crítica del ciclo es solicitar con frecuencia y reducir la fricción de proporcionar comentarios. Puedes hacer esto a través de encuestas, entrevistas, pruebas de usuario, o incluso a través de las interacciones diarias con los clientes. Organización de los comentarios: No todos los comentarios de los clientes son iguales. Algunos pueden ser más relevantes o útiles que otros. Por lo tanto, es importante organizar los comentarios de manera que puedas identificar fácilmente los más valiosos.

We always work with our customers very closely for every order. Every detail is managed and optimized to precision. This is what is truly means to be a factory!!! I am reading : "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson and although I'm only about 50% finished with the book, the many instances of Jobs obsession with perfection inspires me to think of additional ways to improve our products. Job's was kind of a "maniac" in regards to quality !

At Steelhead, we go beyond collection—analyzing, acting, and turning insights into impact. Our system organizes feedback, fostering collaboration among teams. Decisions lead to actions—be it implementing changes, prioritizing features, or resolving issues. We track outcomes, measuring impact on satisfaction, retention, and revenue. But it doesn't end there. We believe in reciprocity. Acknowledging and thanking our customers is ingrained. To further recognize their input, we reward them with gifts from our swag shop. This is a continuous loop of improvement and appreciation.

1. Recopilación de Retroalimentación Diversos Canales: Utiliza múltiples canales para recopilar retroalimentación, como encuestas, entrevistas, redes sociales y análisis de comentarios en línea. Frecuencia Regular: Recoge retroalimentación de manera continua para mantener un flujo constante de información. 2. Análisis de Datos Herramientas de Análisis: Emplea herramientas de análisis de datos para procesar la retroalimentación. Software como Tableau, Power BI o herramientas de análisis de texto pueden ser útiles. Identificación de Patrones: Busca patrones y tendencias en los datos para identificar áreas comunes de mejora.

A perfect example of this is when we had two different cable types coming from two different factories but for the same customer. Both factories had the design perfect, but the colors were slightly different because they were coming from different production facilities. Long story short, we had one vendor send a sample to the other and "voila" problem solved.

Use no-code platforms as the tool to improve and practice Lean with digital assets and data. The idea of augmented lean is a great one for practicing this in 2024. AugmentedLean.com "Executives need a management framework that prioritizes humans over machines. When you empower your frontline workers, you are investing in their growth, productivity, and loyalty. Increased efficiency of your machines is just a side effect."

Embrace innovation. Experiment with new ideas based on customer insights. This dynamic approach ensures you deliver value faster and better, staying ahead of the competition. This is sure to design a constant evolution towards customer-centric excellence.

In all things, get understanding. The only way to thrive is to know what's going on around you and what the others are doing, but more important is where you are going! If you have a clear vision and you couple this with a desire to learn how things work and how to improve both products and concepts, the sky is the limit!

1. Adopta una Mentalidad de Crecimiento Curiosidad: Mantén una actitud curiosa y abierta a nuevas ideas y enfoques. Aprendizaje de Errores: Ve los errores como oportunidades de aprendizaje en lugar de fracasos. 2. Formación y Capacitación Continua Cursos y Talleres: Participa en cursos y talleres para adquirir nuevas habilidades y conocimientos. Certificaciones: Obtén certificaciones relevantes que puedan mejorar tu perfil profesional. 3. Feedback Constante Solicitar Retroalimentación: Pide retroalimentación regularmente a colegas, supervisores y clientes para identificar áreas de mejora. Actuar sobre el Feedback: Implementa cambios basados en la retroalimentación recibida.

Drive the data down to the production associates. Many times the reports do not reach all levels of manufacturing. Helping the associates on the floor shows teamwork and helps them take pride in there work. The associates may need your help in breaking down barriers to their performance . This gives you a opportunity to get to know how to help them best.

Gather feedback: Use diverse channels, prioritize actionable data, and leverage real-time tools. Integrate seamlessly: Make feedback visible, prioritize it, and consider it during sprint planning. Respond and iterate: Close the loop with customers, experiment and validate changes, and measure impact. Bonus: Empower frontline workers, foster a feedback culture, and invest in analytics. Remember, it's a continuous process. Adapt and refine to unlock the power of customer feedback in your agile manufacturing cycles.

Double check everything!! In the world of manufacturing, errors can happen quite easily if you take your eye off the ball. Things have to be perfect from the end user/customer and what they want, anyone who acts as an agent or manager including sales reps need to then communicate this information in the most effective and perfect manner to the production team, who then have to get everything perfect on their end. If any one person screws up any single detail along the way, in many cases the damage can be irreversible. Double check, and then check it again.