See it, Set it, or Watch it.
Improving a process in operations starts by focusing on conditions that change.? These conditions are typically referred to as variables.? Some of these variables are critical and when they are, there are three ways to manage them; see, set, or watch.
See Variables
The first type of critical variable or conditions that change is a variable that can be seen.? Visual observations pick up the change.? These are variables like build up on rolls, waring of parts like belts or knives.?
Set Variables
Setting variable means turning a dial or set point to intentionally change the condition. Two typical variables that fall in this category are temperature or speed.? These conditions can be changed by the operator.? The speed can be increased or the temperature can be raised or lowered.? In most cases, these variables are changed based on variables that need to be watched.
Watch Variables
The variables that need watched are variables that vary during the processes under normal conditions.? Good examples are sheet gauge, ambient temperature, or liquid viscosity.? These variables are visual to the human eye and they are not set by turning a dial.? They are the true variation that must be watched and more importantly reacted too.?
Managing the Process
A simple way to look at managing a process is to formalizing a routine for seeing changes in conditions that are critical; like waring equipment that may need changed or buildup on equipment that may need cleaned.? This is supported by charting variables that vary naturally usually related to the flow of material like thicknesses or dimensions like width.?? When these variables reach limits we set up reaction plans to typically change the variables we set.
Help your organization improve processes by seeing conditions that change, watch conditions that naturally vary, and build reactions plans for setting variables that can be set.
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