Process Problem Solving: A Guide for Maintenance and Operations Teams

To be a successful manufacturing operation, employees must eliminate equipment and production related losses. However, most shopfloor workers don't have the necessary skills to perform the problem-solving tasks that accomplish this goal. They must be trained in the proper methods for logically and systematically discovering the root causes of a situation.

Based on the firsthand experiences of author Bob Sproull, Process Problem Solving: A Guide for Maintenance and Operations Teams presents a precise methodology for understanding problems in a manufacturing environment. The book begins by introducing various problem-solving tools, including fish diagrams, tree diagrams, cause-and-effect diagrams, and flow diagrams. Using real-world examples, Sproull takes readers systematically through each tool and discusses them in depth.

The central tool in Process Problem Solving is the Problem Analysis Flow (PAF) chart. Containing ten major sections, it combines many of the tools discussed at the beginning of the book. According to the author, the PAF chart is the most thorough and comprehensive problem-solving tool. It creates a systematic method for understanding and solving the root causes of problems.

To teach the necessary problem-solving skills, Sproull uses powerful learning techniques that guide the reader through the process. Each chapter begins with a section entitled "What You Should Learn in this Chapter," which specifically emphasizes the main points presented. In addition, each chapter is sprinkled with "keyword" boxes that advise the reader of important terms.

Process Problem Solving is filled with Sproull's "Problem Solving Truths." These are key ideas the author wants to highlight, so the reader retains important pieces of information. Finally, Process Problem Solving follows a "learn and do" approach. The end of each chapter asks the reader to talk about what they have learned. This interactive approach helps readers retain a