Improving shop floor visualization and metrics

Abstract

Within the Technical Operations division of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, there is an aggressive vision to be the "Toyota" of the Pharma Industry by 2010. To accomplish this, PharmOps Switzerland has embraced operational excellence, IQP (Innovation, Quality, and Productivity). Still, there is more that the site, and more specifically manufacturing, can do to fully realize the benefits of adopting all aspects of IQP. Currently, there is a lack of adequate visualization on the shop floor. The current status and schedule of production cannot be quickly seen at the tools where the work is being performed. This thesis focuses is on improving the visualization and creating a set of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and visual displays that will improve performance Change, especially cultural, is difficult and takes considerable time and effort. Even when changes are implemented slowly with small iterations, it might not be well received. Without a strong culture of continuous improvement, teams may not perceive that there are things that can be improved. Historical metrics are comfortable and useful to the shop floor. Visual metrics have improved communication.