Osmoses Uses Process Mapping and Cause and Effects Matrix to Evaluate Process Risks
Osmoses is a Cambridge, MA based cleantech start-up company. Osmoses has developed innovative, efficient chemical separation technology based on membrane filters. In a highly focused engagement totaling 4 hours, we trained Osmoses’ leaders on two problem-solving tools that provide structure to brainstorming, prioritization, and team collaboration.
Challenge:
Osmoses’ process and technology teams were working together to strengthen its value proposition and pricing strategy, and to inform its product and process development roadmap. The leadership team wanted to ensure that team efforts are well-aligned with company-wide priorities, and that the problem-solving activities are focused and efficient.
Countermeasures:
Thanks to a grant provided by the Massachusetts AAPI Commission, we provided Osmoses with 4 hours of consulting service.
After an initial meeting to understand Osmoses’ needs, we proposed a menu of topics and activities, ranging from strategic and long-term practices to tactical, short-term tools and methods. Together we identified two tools to focus on:
● Fishbone diagram for root cause analysis
○ This tool is used on the shopfloor with a team to brainstorm, capture, and prioritize possible root causes that led to a problem
● Process Mapping and Cause and Effect Matrix:
○ The process map describes the process steps, and the corresponding inputs and outputs of the process
○ The cause and effect matrix examines process inputs and ranks them according to their correlation with a ranked list of customer requirements, resulting in a prioritized list of process input.
We provided an overview and best practices in using the two tools. The Osmoses team constructed the first iteration of their process map and cause and effect matrix. We provided feedback on how to refine the map and derive further insights. In addition, we previewed the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - a tool that follows the Cause and Effects Matrix and drives process risk reduction activities.
Value created:
Osmoses created its first process map and cause and effect matrix. Using these documents as foundation for future improvements will deliver business and operational benefits as the processes continue to mature.
We received very positive feedback from Osmoses at the conclusion of this short engagement:
“This is a great tool to de-risk our process.”
“We’ve learned so much from just a few sessions.”
Lessons learned:
As teams expand and continue to tackle business and technical problems, cross-functional teamwork, consensus building, prioritization and alignment become increasingly important in ensuring that the team is working at its best on solving the most important problems. Leaders should leverage tools and frameworks that encourage collaboration and guide teams towards fact-based decisions rooted in consensus.