Improving the Effectiveness in Research and Developments Department from Automotive Industry

Abstract

Abstract The scope of this paper is to propose a solution for decreasing the rework that has to be made inside a team, in a new offshore Research and Development department, mainly because of assumptions and lack of experience. This is based on learning and applying the lessons learned. First, it will be presented an order assignment in an offshore branch in the field of automotive software companies. From the concept, further on, the usual process that takes place is presented and the potential flaws are analyzed. The major problems identified are random allocation of the orders and assumptions that are made in the branch offices. After inspecting the steps of the process, a model of process is proposed in order to avoid the problems identified at the usual process. This proposal has the principles from Advanced Product Quality Planning and the Scrum framework. The goal is to reduce the rework using the learning process presented. If no assumptions are made, if everything is clear from the beginning, if all the necessary documentation is done, if the proper mentoring is made and if the process is continuously improved, the probability of the identified problems to occur again is highly decreased. The most important points in the proposed process for improvement are the following: weekly meeting for status update, assigning the orders according with the needs, assign a mentor for new entries, eliminating the assumptions, discuss the problems as fast as possible and obtain feedback fast from the client to check the direction of the work.