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Original Date: 09/14/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Information : Hourly Technical Membership
In the past, IPTs at Raytheon Missile Systems Company (RMSC) consisted mostly of managerial and technical experts. Few hourly employees were asked to join. RMSC, in conjunction with its TEDCs, decided that hourly employees should be equally represented on all IPTs. The reasoning was two-fold. Since most products are assembled by hourly employees, their input during the early phases of development could greatly reduce costs during production. In addition, all employees become more dedicated and productive when they are treated as part of the team.
RMSC chose a TEDC that had a fully integrated team, and used it as a model for others. The methodology and results of this prototype team were publicized throughout the company. Management also encouraged hourly employees to participate on IPTs, and other TEDCs recommended technicians from their group.
By encouraging Hourly Technical Membership, RMSC realized significant results. Hourly employees have become stakeholders in the company’s products. Many potential problems are now resolved before the product reaches the production stage. The company also reduced rework labor by 10% to 20%; rework material by 15%; cycle times by 10% to 40%; and overtime by 10%.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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