Beating Murphys Law

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Beating Murphys Law

This article deals with the topic of how organizations should go about implementing new technology systems. The article is built around Murphy's Law that, "Whatever can go wrong, will." When organizations implement new system a lot of know problems cannot be avoided and unforeseen problems arise with even grater frequency. Chew outlines seven points to help launch a new system with greater success since they are essential for long-term survival.

Key Notes:

· It is estimated 50 to 70 percent of US firms experience failure in implementing

advanced manufacturing technology.

· New technologies often cause drops in productivity following introduction of new

equipment that can exceed the price of the technology. This still occurs with

incremental purchases of new inexpensive equipment.

· Performance tends to drop shortly prior to installation, as firms make ready for new

systems. Performance drops can last over a year after the introduction of new

equipment.

· The greatest cost stem from mismatches between the new technology 's capabilities and

needs, and existing process and organization.

· Lack of the different required knowledge about new technologies causes the failures

and problems that arise. Solutions to problems usually lead to additional problems

due to a lack of knowledge.

· Rule #1 is Think of Implementation as R&D. Acquisition should instead be considered

an ongoing process of data gathering and learning that evolves over time. The

introduction of technology should be considered less an investment issue or technical

issue and more a question of research design. Technical and organizational concerns

should be addressed. The user and technology managers should work together in

research of new technologies.

· Rule #2 is Ask "What made it hard?" Not "How well did it work?" Firms should look to

outside experience to not only help them decide what new technologies to invest in but

also how to avoid the problems that arose from the technology. Inquiry should be an

active even aggressive targeted search for information.

· Rule #3 Learn in Many Ways at Once. Firms can learn through four methods: vicarious,

learning from others experience, simulation, using models and experiments,

prototyping, building and operating on a smaller scale, and on-line, examining the

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