Description of Driving Event:
Support for Implementation of Process Control Focus Group for Shuttle Program
Lesson(s) Learned:
The Space Shuttle Program Office has instituted a set of Process Control Focus Groups whose goal is to implement "best practice" commonality in change control procedures across all supplier tiers.
Recommendation(s):
Focus the active and dedicated support of senior management of the major contractors and all their subcontractors on implementing the process control "best practices" as soon as feasible. NASA must be fully apprised of all process changes even if they result in a product that meets requirements.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
NASA concurs with the recommendation. The Government and Industry Process Control Focus Group has been established by the Manager, Space Shuttle Program (SSP), and is aggressively developing a coordinated and consistent process control program for the SSP. The goal of the Process Control Focus Group is to achieve common process change control across all program elements. A Process Control Management Plan has been developed with formal sign-off by NASA and all prime contractors required. Membership of this group includes civil servant representation from JSC, KSC, and MSFC and all the Space Shuttle prime contractors. The efforts of this group are focused on increasing communication of the importance of process change control to all elements of the program including subtier suppliers, implementation of best practices, and sharing lessons learned among all Shuttle contractors. To increase awareness of the SSP emphasis on process control, increased communication with the suppliers will be accomplished by several methods, including an SSP Process Control video, posters, and brochures. These are examples of tools that will be used during motivational visits to suppliers by prime contractor and SSP management. A process control best practices and lessons learned database is being developed by the focus group for use by NASA and the prime contractors to share lessons learned and implement the use of best practices across the program. This database will include the process/product integrity audits and process failure mode and effects analyses (FMEA) mentioned in the ASAP report as good process control techniques. Symposiums to share in-depth techniques for applying these best practices to different business situations are also planned. In summary, establishment of the focus group, development of the database, use of a process control video and other tools during NASA and contractor management motivational visits to suppliers, and the utilization of symposiums will foster NASA process change awareness and focus the major contractors and their subcontractors on implementation of best practices process control.
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Space Operations
- Exploration Systems
Additional Key Phrase(s):
- Administration/Organization
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
- Parts Materials & Processes
- Safety & Mission Assurance
Additional Info:
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