Using Decision Engineering to Achieve Short Predictable Lead Time

Cycle time reduction often requires coordination across a broad range of functions and groups within an organization. This article describes a decision engineering approach that has proved useful in the analysis and tactical implementation of cycle time reduction at Sun Microsystems. First, a simple model called the Decision Chain is introduced to illuminate the interdependencies among decisions taken at different points of a company's value chain. Second, a Complexity Breakdown Model that helps decision-makers view the elements of a cycle time reduction problem in broad terms and identify the places where they can exert the most leverage to achieve cycle time breakthroughs is described. These tools, taken together, can help guide cycle time reduction efforts in other companies.