Abstract

1. Improving Cross-Program Communication, File Storage, and Test Procedure at iRobot Corporation Brittney Kawa (Industrial Engineering) and Audra Sosny (Industrial Engineering) Advisor: Professor Sharon Johnson 03/15/10: Reminder – Weekly meeting on March 8th at 10:00 AM Announcements Login I want to… Employee Name Program: Job Title: Phone: E-mail: Location: Free or Busy: View Outlook Calendar Current Projects: About me: Picture Go Links Storage Tools Internal Websites External Websites Bookmarks People Documents Websites Chat Chat Recent searches via website Past Searches Related searches based upon search criteria Documents Status • Project Process Abstract This project improved cross-program interactions by investigating how to streamline the exchange of information and documents at iRobot Corporation. The group analyzed opinions from a preliminary survey and focus group interviews to form the final project recommendations, which included the prototype of a competency website. The goal of the website design was to increase accessibility to competency information, specifically related to employees and documents. Overall, the project recommendations sought to create a more efficient work environment and increase cross-program collaboration. Main Recommendation: Redesigned Competency Website . Available Unavailable SearchAll Personal links to documents Bookmarks • Home Page: • Login • Username • Password • Announcements • Links • Personal Bookmarks • Chat (with online users) • Search All • People • Documents • Help Topics People Documents Options Help Search • Background • iRobot Corporation, founded in 1990, is a pioneer in both the home and military robotics industries • Matrix structure • Multiple programs (product lines, i.e. iRobot PackBot) are simultaneously in development and/or production • Competencies (groups of employees with similar roles, i.e. Mechanical Engineering) provide support across all programs • Many documents are used across programs/competencies as part of the product design and development process and are accessible from many locations (storage tools) • iRobot Corporation nearly doubled its workforce to approximately 500 employees from 2006 to 2008, increasing the need for communication and information/document sharing • People Page: • I want to… • Search for employee • Edit/view personal info • Update status • Interactive competency organization chart • Link between organization chart and employees’ Microsoft Outlook calendars is optional but encouraged People Documents Options Help ~90% are supportive! NO YES People Documents Options Help • Documents Page: • Document abstract for easy viewing/searching • Links to original location • Past searches • Bookmarked documents • Project Goals & Objectives • Primary Goal: • Improve cross-program collaboration by streamlining the exchange of information and documents at iRobot Corporation • Secondary Objectives: • Identify key issues related to the storage, accessibility, and sharing of information and documents • Acquire a range of professional perspectives • Evaluate factors that potentially hinder cross-program interactions, specifically the sharing of information/documents • Results & Conclusions • Preliminary survey analysis revealed that overall respondents do not prefer a single document control/storage tool. • Table shows the average rating for each storage tool on a 7-point Likert Scale • To support the sharing of information and documents, it is essential to coordinate each program/competency’s recommended tool with the individual’s preference. • General Recommendations • Document Control: • Create a list of administrators for all tools • Document the differences between tools and the tools in use by each program/competency • Standardize file naming and establish file storage guidelines • Competency Organization Charts: • Regularly update and include basic contact information • Inter-Competency Collaboration: • Plan more regular social events (monthly) • Institute electronic discussion boards Acknowledgments Thank you to our advisors Professor Sharon Johnson and Jennifer Wallace as well as preliminary survey/focus group participants • Key References • DMAIC. (2006). Retrieved 12 13, 2009, from lmzr.perso.neuf.fr/notes/dmaic.docEppinger, S. D. (2001). Innovation at the Speed of Information. Tool Kit , 149-158. • Furterer, S. L. (2009). Lean Six Sigma in Service: Applications and Case Studies. CRC. • Queen, P., & Brett, C. (2005). Streamlining Enterprise Records Management with Lean Six Sigma. The Information Management Journal , 59-62.