A radical approach to metrics development would be to inventory the engineering process capability. In a plant that does process capability studies, the plant usually has a list of all its processes and knows the process capabilities of all its production lines. In fact this is required for APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning). APQP states “Product quality planning is a structured method of defining and establishing the steps necessary to assure that a product satisfies the customer.” What if this was applied to the engineering factory?
We’ve all heard the saying, without data you’re just another person with an opinion. But many times we don’t practice this. Metrics are great, as long as my metrics are only shown to me. I wouldn’t want anyone to see my business. I’m working as hard as I can, and I really don’t need anyone else’s help. Metrics are not something to be afraid of. Metrics are a way of inventorying the system. With metrics you must have an open mind and do an honest assessment to try and understand how the system is operating.