Observation: A primary ISE method to improve processes
Seeing problems clearly is the first step toward finding solutions
By William E. Hammer Jr.
The use of observation was first identified as an important
tool in industrial engineering by Frederick Taylor
and Frank Gilbreth. While they used observation to
document and improve manufacturing processes,
they did not specifically address the methodology of
observation. They referred to studying processes to
describe the activity of recording observations and analyzing
them. Since their pioneering work, industrial and systems engineers
have used observation extensively in improving processes
in a wide range of businesses and organizations.
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