What are the best sources and methods for generating and testing new ideas in production engineering?

1 Customer feedback

One of the most valuable sources of new ideas in production engineering is customer feedback. Customers can provide insights into their pain points, expectations, and preferences, as well as suggestions for improvement. You can collect customer feedback through surveys, interviews, reviews, or direct observation. Customer feedback can help you identify gaps, opportunities, and trends in the market, as well as inspire you to create solutions that meet customer needs and satisfaction.

3 Prototyping and testing

Once you have generated some ideas, you need to test them to see if they work and if they are feasible, desirable, and viable. Prototyping and testing are essential methods for validating your ideas and learning from your failures. Prototyping is the process of creating a simplified and tangible version of your idea, such as a sketch, a model, or a mockup. Testing is the process of exposing your prototype to feedback, evaluation, or experimentation. Prototyping and testing can help you refine your ideas, improve your design, and measure your results.

4 Benchmarking and learning

Another useful source and method for generating and testing new ideas in production engineering is benchmarking and learning. Benchmarking is the process of comparing your performance, processes, or products with those of your competitors, industry leaders, or best practices. Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, or insights from various sources, such as books, courses, podcasts, or mentors. Benchmarking and learning can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, learn from others' successes and failures, and find inspiration and innovation.

5 Experimentation and iteration

Finally, one of the most important methods for generating and testing new ideas in production engineering is experimentation and iteration. Experimentation is the process of trying out different approaches, methods, or variables to see what works and what doesn't. Iteration is the process of repeating and improving your experiments based on your findings and feedback. Experimentation and iteration can help you test your assumptions, optimize your solutions, and achieve continuous improvement.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?