The RACI matrix is a matrix/tool that is used to track and increase accountability within a project.  RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consult and Informed.  The model is used to organize and clarify projects by listing action items and the responsible individuals.

  Regression analysis is a technique that can help us understand the relationship between two variables.  

  Have you ever had to return a product?  Chances are you have.  Reverse logistics is the supply chain concept that your returns follow.  Rather than following a normal supply chain flow the reverse logistics supply chain focuses on improving the reverse flow.  The focus of the reverse supply chain is to support customer returns, repair of damaged items, remake or remanufacturing of designs that might not meet the customers expectations and recycling materials.  The reverse supply chain can in fact be designed in such a way that it operates at a profit, recovers costs and best of all creates loyal customers. 

  In the comments section below share some ideas that you have that might help returns be a better experience for customers.

Reference: What is reverse supply chain? and Principles of Supply Chain Management.

   A root cause is the beginning or initiating cause of either a condition or a chain that leads to an outcome or effect.  The root cause analysis is often referred to as a weed, if we don’t get to the root and remove the root, the weed will grow back again.  A root cause analysis digs below the surface or the effect in order to discover the initial cause of the effect.  Often times a root cause analysis will travel through levels of causation as it digs towards the root cause. ​

Example: Root Cause Analysis With 5 Why's.

  A raw material is any purchased or supplied item that is in some way transformed via a manufacturing process.  The raw material is generally converted into a component or a finished product.  

What examples of raw materials can you think of?  (Share your answers below)

  Red tags are a visual tool that is used during the sorting phase of a 5S initiative.  In the sorting phase of 5S, items are either gotten rid of, kept or placed in a red tag auction area.  The red tag is used for items that are either gotten rid of or placed in auction.  Please note we suggest if a clear decision has been made to "get rid" of the item, just get rid of it.  

General process of red tagging items:

1. Identify items that team members can not classify as keep or get rid of.
2. Fill out the 5S red tag.
3. Log items in a red tag register.
4. Move to holding area for auction.
5. Review items in auction area.

  A rolled throughput yield is a percent that measures the probability that a unit can "roll through"  a process without defects.  The rolled throughput is calculated by determining the throughput yield (first pass yield, first time yield) of each process step and then multiplying those throughput yields (first pass yield, first time yield) by each other in order to obtain the cumulative or "rolling" throughput yield.  This measure takes into account rework and scrap providing an organization with a more accurate assessment of internal waste and or hidden costs.