Collaborating with multiple teams around the globe is already challenging, let alone when you're trying to solve complex problems.
Difficulties arise when you're working with teams on the other side of the world because of things like:
Language barriers
Time zones
Cultural differences
Different methods and processes followed
Here are some ideas on how to make problem solving across different regions a little bit easier.
Make sure you have a standardized problem solving process
When you have a standard process established, people can better understand each other. For example, if you have an agreed definition of what "root cause" means and its purpose, all teams will know what the other is talking about, regardless of language or culture.
Use neutral questions to gather information
Instead of blaming other teams or sites for problems, focus on neutral questions to gather facts. When you deal only with facts (not opinions), people will be more willing to share exactly what they know, instead of trying to hide information in fear of being blamed.
Have a central location where information can be shared
Being able to access problem solving data (both historical and real-time) is crucial for active problem solving as well as analytics after the fact. Before you start a problem solving investigation, make sure you have somewhere to store all the data so everyone can access it at any time no matter where they work. This can be in a shared file, in SAP, or in a web-based problem solving system like PHRED, you just need to make sure everyone involved can get to it easily.
Establish a purpose for solving the problem thoroughly
Although we know that problem solving is fun, not everyone agrees. To ensure collaboration and participation, establish why it's crucial to solve the problem from the very beginning. Things like:
a. Your customer is threatening to take their business elsewhere
b. You need to prove that your supplier is at fault so you can receive a monetary credit
c. You must find the root cause because the problem is recurring across sites
d. Your scrap rate is above the accepted threshold
We hope some of our ideas are helpful. If you have any other tips or want to share your experience, drop us a comment!
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