What is a multi-generation project plan?
– A vehicle to help focus the energies of the design team on a manageable project that can be completed relatively quickly.
– Since the future has been considered, the team will not make decisions incompatible with future generations.
– As team work progresses, new ideas can be added to future generations of the process instead of increasing development time for the first generation process.
– MGPP helps manage “scope leak”.
– The organization may be working on new technologies that are necessary for future generations while implementing the first generation process and reaping the benefits.
The MGPP is generally not fully developed in the step of the Lean Six Sigma phase Define:
– In Define, you should describe all the elements for the first generation product / service as completely as possible and fill in as much information as you have for future generations.
– Will add information to MGPP throughout the DFSS process.
– At the end of the first generation, you will be able to describe the second and third generation products and services in much greater detail because of what you have learned from your research and testing of the first generation product.
The multi-generation project plan will help:
– Initially establish a reasonable project scope, one that drives values with a reasonable completion date
– Capture good ideas that arise during the project.
– Proactively identify opportunities for project replication for other parts of the business.
– Establish the “big picture” – How does this project fit into the overall improvement scheme of the organization?
– For example, the goal is to reduce billing errors for all of our customers. The first generation will address the issues with our top 20% customers.
– For example, this project will streamline the process and reduce the number of errors. The next phase will be the implementation of an automated information system.
– Communicate with stakeholders – “We are focusing on this part of the process with this project, but we recommend a follow-up project to address other parts of the process.”
MGPP Steps:
1. Start with the vision. Describe the vision of the new product / service in 3 years. Then back up and describe the product / service stages that lead to the longer-term vision.
2. Describe the concept and technologies / platforms for Generation 1 in as much detail as possible.
3. Fill in as much information as you can for Generation 2 and 3 concepts, platforms, and technologies. You will add more information on these items as you learn more during Generation 1 development.