Developing an enhanced video communication system between multidiscipline dispersed teams

Abstract

Today’s globalisation encourages several companies that are globally distributed to virtually collaborate on a common task to maximise time and money. This project includes a process improvement methodology which is the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) process on a system that already exists at Methode Electronics Malta Ltd. This system, also known as the Hawk-Eye system, is used to video conference between Malta and Egypt to avoid experts in Malta having to travel to Egypt to solve issues with relation to maintenance and repair. The improvements are essential since presently this system does not encourage the user to make use of it, as most of the times there is misunderstanding and bad quality in communication techniques. Hence, the experts in Malta need to travel onsite. This results in a long downtime to solve issues and thus incurring travel expenses. The newly developed system was a gradual improvement of the current system by utilizing the five phases of the DMAIC methodology. The newly developed system was improved by considering both literature review and the DMAIC methodology. Different communication techniques and mediums where analysed in detail to identify and choose the correct elements for this particular system. It is important that the company’s and users’ needs are clear so that the system will meet their expectations and goals. By means of DMAIC process, the problem was first defined and was then followed by the Measure phase to identify the greatest limitations that the users are facing with the current system. In the Analyse phase, the data collected in the Measure phase and root causes of the limitations were analysed. Then the Improvement phase included the different elements to enhance the system with the help of the data collected and the literature review. Finally, the Control phase includes which techniques should be utilized so that the system remains in control and will be further improved. A number of different quality tools are used throughout the different phases of both the DMAIC such as the Cause and Effect diagram, Pareto Chart and Affinity Diagram.