WIZZYWATS

WizzyWats
Jason C Clark
AET 550 PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT
University of Phoenix
September 13, 2015
LEO GIGLIO

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The idea of this paper is to provide a resolution regarding the performance issues
indicated in the WizzyWats Assembly Line. While there were interventions
recommended by the hired consultant, the company still faces the same productivity
problem. While on one side employee comfort and adequate breaks were added they
did not ensure that the issues were resolved or even mitigated. It is important to take a
look at the procedures and the goals of the overall process to find the approach to
resolve the issue of finding the defective components. It is also important to take a look
and see why components are defective in the first place to try and eliminate as many
defective components as possible.
In the University of Phoenix simulation (n. d.), the WizzyWats Assembly Line
faces productivity problem due to workers failure to identify defective components as
they pass through their stations. It is possible that labels or stickers and an inspection
tracking system would make this process a bit more cost effective. The need to motivate
the workers to catch defective products and improve work performance is also very
important. If a system of monitoring such as performance marks for each employee was
provided this could encourage workers to become more proficient and dedicated. As
employees recognize achievements and success and also feel the recognition for
performance it helps to promote better performance all around.
To continue with providing an equitable solution we need to start with the
problem. It would be a good idea to take a close look at the entire process. A consultant
should check the cause of the problem. Are the best or proper quality materials used
throughout the process? The materials should be of good quality and free of defects.
Are the materials and components loaded into the machines properly? As the saying
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goes if you start with garbage expect to finish with garbage. There should be a quality
assurance program in place to ensure from the initial purchase of materials an
inspection is made of all materials and components that are loaded into the machines.
This action alone could cause a significant decrease in defects.
It is important the quality control be used at all levels within the process.
Inspections of materials and how things are done on the assembly line are also
important. Merriam-Webster dictionary (2014) defines inspecting as a means to look at
something carefully and thoroughly, while to check means to examine something
quickly. At each stage of the process if too many defective components are discovered
then there is a need to either change the supplier of the particular components or how
the components are being manufactured and processed. If the materials are of good
quality it could be how they are being processed or used that is the issue.
It is also important to factor in who is doing the inspecting and assembly.
Training should be held to show what a perfect component or assembly part should look
like. Workers should feel confident that they know what they are looking for as far as a
good component vice a defective component. If necessary the company may need to
provide formal training to workers and inspection teams on what the products should
look like and how to identify an imperfect component. Perhaps initially have a recheck
component line after stages to monitor works to gauge how well they are identifying
defective components and assist management with ways to improve the process.
Employees are a companys number one asset. The cost of hiring and retraining
employees can sometimes be a huge expense. With this in mind it is important for the
company to take care of its employees health, safety and welfare. On an assembly line

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things such as eyesight and hand eye coordination can be essential to a safe and
productive process. Recognizing this it is also important to assign the correct person to
the right task. This ranges from routine tasks to specialized assignments. Employees
need to be properly trained and supported to accomplish the tasks assigned. In some
cases a person may not be able to be a part of the process itself and may have to
observe via a different form of media.
For example having a video camera on each assembly line at certain points can
help in the detection and inspection process. This can also be a good method to
enhance safety if utilized properly. Another benefit can be having workers aware that the
processes are being watched. In some cases this can enhance employees attention to
details. Using this in combination with a pre- and post-assembly process could also
seriously deter defects from being missed on the assembly line. Using a system of
measured inspections signed off via tag or sticker may also help to overcome significant
issues. This can be done by assembly line employees or quality assurance inspectors.
This could be a great method of tracking as well. A tracking system like a scorecard
maybe used to monitor every inspectors inspection errors and good performance.
(Pershing, 2006) While errors are a deterrent, improving the work process and
promoting good performance are things that can enhance employee performance and
satisfaction. With these ideas in mind the company can look for the best solution and
most appropriate level of intervention.
There is not one intervention that will work better than others. Starting by having
a quality assurance team inspect the materials used, the process of manufacturing
components and parts is an intervention that can be implemented by the management

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team for quality control. Educating employees on what the components should look like
as they pass their station is also very important. It is difficult to find a defective
component or art if you dont know what the component or part is supposed to look like
in the first place. In addition employees need to know what their performance being
graded as. Employees need to feel recognized for their accomplishments and made
aware of areas they can improve. It is important for management to promote that it is
everyones responsibility to achieve the best quality product possible at the best price.
The reasoning behind these intervention selections are related from the employee to the
money the company can save by providing a quality product at a higher rate.
The supply and logistics team of the company needs to ensure that high quality
materials are purchased at reasonable prices. This may entail an active search for the
most affordable suppliers of quality materials to replace materials that may not be up to
standards. Management might discover it to be cost effective to have inspectors at
check points along the assembly line to monitor employee performance and component
defects. This intervention could improve the productivity rate of the company as well as
enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
By using these interventions WizzyWats can enhance production on the
assembly line. From the initial supply and logistics aspect many defects or failures may
be eliminated. Having trained employees will also significantly reduce lost production.
Having inspectors review and report will also provide a quick method of discovering at
what stage a component may become defective. Using these and other interventions
with the goal of reducing production loss and defective components the company has
defined path to achieve success. It comes down to having the consultant looking for the

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major cause of the productivity problem. Then there needs to be a shift in focus to
purchase quality materials for the company. The training department needs to ensure all
employees are assigned and trained to achieve the best results for the tasks workers
are doing. WizzyWats eng goal is to produce high quality finished products by getting all
stakeholders from employees to management involved promoting the positive
production of components.

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References
Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2014). Retrieved from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary
Pershing, J. A. (2006). Handbook of Human Performance Technology (3rd ed.). San
Francisco,
CA: Pfeiffer.
University of Phoenix. (n. d.). The WizzyWats Assembly Line Scenario. Retrieved from
University of Phoenix, AET/550 - Performance Improvement and Management
website.