Interaction between subcycles: One key to improved methods

The relationship of one subcycle to another can be complex. Productivity suffers when the output of one subcycle delays a following step or when resources required for one subcycle are engaged in another. Isolating subcycles from immediate interaction with other subcycles is an important principle in the design and improvement of work methods. While interaction cannot be eliminated, the negative effect of immediate interactions can be reduced with careful provision of buffers and shared resources. Five cases demonstrate different aspects of this concept. A review of 31 cases of performance improvement shows that reducing the immediacy of interactions between subcycles is an effective method used by supervisors to cope with the uncertainty. Reducing immediate interaction through the provision of buffers and/or shared resources will be the most effective technique for eliminating performance-reducing interactions until greater control is achieved over the rates of supply and use of resources. A process for the design and improvement of work methods based on these concepts is offered.