If 'variation' is the enemy ... how do you fight it?

Dr W Edwards Demming once stated, ‘Uncontrolled variation is the enemy of quality’. It is a simple concept but not one that is well understood. The operational goal of all successful and profitable businesses should be to deliver a consistent quality product or service that customers and clients can rely upon.

Delivery of consistent quality can be calculated using DIFOTAS, a measure of Delivery In-Full, On-Time, As Specified. Read more about DIFOTAS here

There are 3 main forms of Operations Variation that impact consistent quality:

• Variance in product mix … how different are the products/services you

deliver and the processes required to deliver them?

• Variance in production method (the different ways we produce/deliver

the same thing)

• Variance in the way of working (between location/site/shed/person)

HOW you control variation is just as important as the intent to do something about it. Sadly many business leaders try to ‘exert control’ over the workflow in ways that are demotivating and ultimately counterproductive.

A common example of trying to control the 3rd type of variation listed above, is issuing an edict that says, ‘from now on everyone will do it like this’. On the surface, such standardisation should meet the requirement for reducing variation. In practise, however, gaining commitment to the edict can be tricky.

Moving towards standardisation and controlling variation doesn't have to mean boring, repetitive and restrictive. Indeed controlling variation can go hand-in-hand with innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.

AstuteOps have significant experience in controlling variation and promoting high DIFOTAS performance, whilst not creating a dispirited, risk-averse work culture.

has extensive practical experience in

operations management for building, construction &

light manufacturing businesses. We work closely with SME's.

We have a deep understanding of manufacturing operations, and

proven capabilities in business optimisation and change management.

We get teams working, streamline processes and position businesses for success.

Contact Us