This effort provides benefits such as improving the skills and training of the teams and reducing indirect labor costs. The most important aspect of Harris' Self-Directed Work Teams is the ability of the teams to understand and focus upon major goals such as improving quality, reducing costs, and improving delivery. Each team is aware of and tracks what it does on a daily basis to affect quality, cost, and delivery. The teams have been trained to use the CAM system to track work in process and monitor inventory levels throughout their respective areas. This practice supports self management and provides teams information needed to make sound decisions regarding necessary daily activities.
Communication systems connect teams and facilitate factory- wide improvement.
One system is the electronic mail system that links teams and individual team members. Formal team presentations are made to management at six month intervals that include team accomplishments on projects, training, or any other topic that affects a Self-Directed Work Team's ability to perform its mission. Benefits of Harris' approach to Self-Directed Work Teams have been significant. Team focus on major goals has produced substantial gains in product yields and reductions in cycle times. Team initiated developments in the areas of individual career paths and performance appraisals have resulted in greater customer focus, workforce cooperation, greater participation and involvement, and accelerated improvement.