What is the difference between a 7D format and an 8D format?

They're right - a 7-D doesn't congratulate the team. I always thought that was a fluffy, non-substantive way of saying 'wrap the issue up', which includes summarizing & documenting the issue history (from initial customer contact to effectiveness audit) to the org (from hourly associates to execs). I think it should include senior executive buy-off on a 100% or sample basis, depending on the size of the org.

I would answer 1D...but I am a wise guy. Does it really matter if you use a 7D, 8D or 9D or any other D? Do not get caught up in the number of D's and put together a process and program that works for your organization!

Statistical Steven said:

I would answer 1D...but I am a wise guy. Does it really matter if you use a 7D, 8D or 9D or any other D? Do not get caught up in the number of D's and put together a process and program that works for your organization!

Click to expand...

The problem isn't so much what works for one's one organization; the problem is what works for your customers. It's possible to compose the most elegant, bullet-proof, comprehensive CA plan in the history of the known universe and have it rejected by a customer for not being in the "correct" format. By the same token, it's possible to compose a completely nonsensical, impotent and worthless CA report and have it accepted by a customer because it is in the correct format.

Jim Wynne said:

The problem isn't so much what works for one's one organization; the problem is what works for your customers. It's possible to compose the most elegant, bullet-proof, comprehensive CA plan in the history of the known universe and have it rejected by a customer for not being in the "correct" format. By the same token, it's possible to compose a completely nonsensical, impotent and worthless CA report and have it accepted by a customer because it is in the correct format.

Click to expand...

Jim, that is the problem with so many of these programs. Preception is more important than substance. If a CA plan works for the customer and not your organization, are you really improving the process? I think we agree the answer is NO.

Re: 7 D Format

to add a bit more, the 8D that Ford coined was is based upon a US DOD spec; although disputed by some, the likely "origin" of what we call an 8D is DOD MIL-STD-1520C

Re: 7 D Format

optomist1 said:

to add a bit more, the 8D that Ford coined was is based upon a US DOD spec; although disputed by some, the likely "origin" of what we call an 8D is DOD MIL-STD-1520C

Click to expand...

Having just read the MIL standard, I find no justification in it for the contention that the 8D concept sprang from it. Copy attached.

This is simple- company & consultants try to make it complicated. All these 7D/8D come from Plan/do/Study/Act cycle originally given by Shewart & popularised by Deming.

The problem/improvement opportunity is always unique & these are thumb rules which is helpful in communicating the steps/questions.

Re: 7 D Format

Agreed, that why the caveat....that its origin in 1520 C is disputed...Thanks Jim