Understanding reliability concepts is important, but true improvement comes from changing the behaviors of site personnel. In our workshops, we don’t leave this to chance, hoping participants will eventually apply what they have learned. Instead of merely taking home a certificate of completion, participants leave with a real-world defect elimination project. Alongside a few of their colleagues from the session, they will complete this project over the next 90 days. We call these groups Action Teams.

The teams target the persistent defects that cause recurring problems and failures. These defects are often small and so ingrained in designs, procedures, and approaches that they remain invisible to managers and engineers. However, there is typically a mountain of these defects that can be eliminated within 90 days and for little or no capital if the frontline is motivated and guided correctly.