# Improving a Manufacturing Process Using the 8 Ds Method. A Case Study in a Manufacturing Company
## 5 Conclusions and Industrial Implications  
The principal goal of this work was successfully accomplished. The 8 Ds method implemented in the manufacturing company managed to decrease the number of assembly defects in part number A from 67 to 16, which represents a decrease of 76.12%. Figure 12 shows a comparison about the frequency of each defect before and after implementing the 8 Ds method. Note that the frequency of all defects decreased. For example, the frequency of inverted cables, the most common defect, decreased from 35 to 2. Similarly, the frequency of motor disfigured decreased from 10 to 3, and the noisy motor decreased from 9 to 3, to just mention the higher frequency defects. Simultaneously, the 8 Ds method implementation allowed increasing customer satisfaction. In the 16 case studies reported in Section 3, the 8 Ds method was applied to help corporations to comply with delivery times, reduce scrap and defect costs, implement new processes or develop new products, improve quality assurance systems, minimize supply chain and customer complaints, and improve services. However, solving these types of problems involves having a solid and effective communication system among the affected departments, which should also share a common goal. In addition, by implementing the 8 Ds method, the company managed to decrease production time, machine downtimes, scrap costs, operational defects, the rate of late deliveries, and customer  
Figure 12: Comparison of the frequency of defects before and after applying the 8 Ds method. complaints. Regarding the manufacturing system, the 8 Ds method increased efficiency and productivity in the application of statistical methods and techniques at low operational costs. Table 5 shows a comparison of the main indicators before and after implementing the 8 Ds method. It is important to note that the total defects were reduced by 76.12%, while the customer complaints were reduced by 100%. Similarly, production, inspection, and packing times for the part number A were reduced by over 30%; and machines stoppages were reduced by over 77%. This reduction of time cycles allowed for increasing the production level by 34.22%. Moreover, the implementation of the 8 Ds method had a positive impact on the company's competitiveness in terms of quality and safety. Furthermore, the 8 Ds method had a significantly positive effect on employees and managerial responsibility, participation, and commitment, which streamlined and improved the company problem-solving process, especially by helping delegate equal responsibilities to the lowest organizational levels. Finally, the 8 Ds method implementation allows collecting information concerning a problem in a quick manner, and reduces the communication time between the quality teamwork and operators. When problems arise, a method, technique, or abstract tool ought to be implemented to find the best solution. On some occasions, the implementation process may require making small modifications in the organization, whereas in other cases, engineers must be more careful to spare the company losses. Additionally, in the implementation of any method, communication is a key element of success. A solid, rapid, and effective communication system encourages employees to be creative and be engaged in the problem-solving process and motivates employees to be prepared for any further change. In other words, the 8 Ds method has a two-fold goal: to solve problems and to increase active employee participation in the problem-solving process. In order to achieve these goals, experts recommend the following strategies:  
* Implement the 8 Ds method to solve problems with other part numbers, and/or in other areas (purchase or sales, for instance). * Always consider each employee's opinion, since it will make their work motivating. * Engage customers' opinions and ideas to improve both the production processes and their satisfaction.