Products
Problem Solving
  A3/Lean
  Root Cause Analysis
  Supply Chain
  Facilitate Critical
    Problems
  Training
PHRED Safety
   Safety Observation
   Safety Investigation

"Lean" refers to the quality of continual improvement across the enterprise. It is the continuing search to identify waste and friction in all business processes, from manufacturing, to improving cross-team performance. It means identifying and solving problems efficiently.

Companies often find that the most effective solutions come from their own employees. The experience of their teams, and the creativity of the people doing the job every day, often goes untapped. By using the collective intelligence and creativity of their work teams, they become more efficient at finding the root of problems and developing solutions.

8D/A3
Many lean organizations use the 8D or A3 problem-solving processes. They structure problem-solving into steps, identifying issues, analyzing their costs and consequences, developing appropriate solutions and examining the results afterwards.

PHRED 8D by PHRED Solutions mirrors both 8D and A3. Using a question-based interaction with users, PHRED 8D leads them through each of the stages. By interacting with questions, the software helps users break down problems into smaller components. At each step users are prompted to observe and report data. This makes the user's reasoning and logic clear, promoting better solutions.

The Problem-Solving Process
PHRED 8D breaks problem-solving into 4 levels. Here's a flow chart

Problem Identification
Starting any problem-solving process involves stating and clarifying the problem. Users describe what they observe, and compare that to what is expected.

Root Cause Analysis
Users are prompted to quantify the impact this problem has on their area, and identify other stakeholders in the company. Together the stakeholders observe and analyze the problem to determine the root cause.

Developing Solutions
The third level involves generating and understanding the possible solutions. Participants define possible temporary and permanent solutions. Then, they develop implementation plans.

Retrospective Analysis
After implementing the recommended solution(s), the users have a chance to reflect. In retrospect they perform a final analysis. Has the problem really been solved? The participants record lessons learned.

The Problem Repository
Each solution is stored in an easy-to-browse repository. If the problem appears again, your team can quickly access the past solutions. The system retrieves all supporting documentation, observations and logic too. This knowledge can be shared throughout your organization.

Reports
PHRED 8D generates many useful reports. Users can:

• Determine the status of all current problems
• Identify systemic or "repeat" problems
• Know which temporary fixes are in place
• See all problems solved to date
• View summaries of problems by area/plant

PHRED 8D and the 8D/A3 Process
PHRED 8D mirrors the 8D/A3 process. Using our question-based interface, users quickly get from problem identification to temporary fix, and then permanent countermeasure or solution. The systems enable the capture and reuse of your problem-solving knowledge.

PHRED 8D is Easy To Use
One of our customers tells us: "Our standard problem-solving process, the global 8D, is not used by those closest to the problems because of its perceived complexity and lack of ongoing training and expertise. APS mirrors the steps and concepts of 8D in a way that makes it usable by typical associates rather than 8D experts." More information

PHRED 8D simplifies 8D/A3 for everyday use. PHRED 8D requires very little training or support to effectively solve problems. Users generally get what to do in about an hour. If they have questions, each screen includes options for coaching.