E.C.R.S.
Problem Solving Tools
Solving Efeso © 1999 rel. 4 2010/03/11
E.C.R.S. - What is it?
It is a tool to optimise work cycles, acyclic operations, set-up times. It
is used usually after a 5W + 1H Analysis.
The expression is taken from first letters of the words used to describe
the methodologies
q E = Eliminate
q C = Combine/change
q R = Rearrange/reduce
q S = Simplify
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The meaning of E.C.R.S. (1/2)
Identify unnecessary operations and find
Eliminate a way to eliminate them
Combine more basic operations to
Combine reduce travel and accumulation of
operations
Find new solutions to reallocate and
Rearrange rearrange operations
Plan methods to simplify remaining
Simplify operations
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The meaning of E.C.R.S. (2/2)
Activity X: A B C D E
Operations
The sequence indicated following the ECRS analysis can vary in terms of:
1. Elimination of unnecessary
operations A B D E
2. Combine different operations A B+D E
3. Rearrange the sequence of
different operations B+D A E
4. Simplification of the operations B+D F
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E.C.R.S. - What is it for?
Determine potential productivity gains through loss-eliminating actions,
movement automation and rationalisation.
The aim is to identify the following activities:
q value-added
q semi-value added
q non value added
so as to reduce / eliminate activities
q non value added
q semi-value added
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Non-value added activities reduction through E.C.R.S. concepts
Question Why ? Expected action Notes
What is Why is this operation necessary? Eliminate q Whenever possible, many operations
the purpose? Can it be eliminated? useless operations are improved rather than eliminated.
Where is it Why must it be done in this place? Combine or Change q Two operations carried out together often
performed? Where should we do it? place require less time and resources, as if they were
Reduce just one operation; sometimes it is possible to
combine one carriage with one operation.
When is it Why are we performing this operation now, Combine or Change q Improving the order in which operations are
performed? with respect to other things? time or sequence performed may allow reductions in carriage,
When should it be done? Reduce controls, testing, etc.
Who does it? Why does this person perform this Combine or Change q A change in sequence may open up the way to
operation? person several elimination, combinations, reductions.
Who should perform it?
How is it Why do we perform this in this way? Does Simplify q After eliminating, combining, changing the
performed? a simpler or a better way exist or improve the method operations and reducing the number of
to obtain the desired results? elements, it is time to develop "HOW" the job will
How should it be performed? be performed.
This is the last step in work simplification and
comes after all other steps are completed.
ECRS Solving Efeso © 1999 -6-
E.C.R.S. - NVA Activities - Examples
Walking
Unbalanced
Waiting
Not ergonomic position
Organisation
problems
Machine
Losses
Machine to repair
Load/Unload
Semi value added
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E.C.R.S. - When is it applied?
The E.C.R.S. logic is used during the analysis of production
operations like:
q work cycles
q tool / material change
q set-up
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E.C.R.S. - How to apply it?
Format
The current situation Improvements
Time
Distance
Combine/Change
Rearrange/Reduce
Simplify
Problem
Eliminate
Target
N. What? Why? Who? IDEA
time
(Description
1. Divide the working
of task)
cycle in different
elementary phases and
describe the current
situation applying the 5W
+ 1H method
2. Analyse activities
identifying problems
3. Critically analyse each single element and
assess the possibility for operation improvement:
ECRS
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E.C.R.S. - How to apply it?
Operational details
Exercise
These questions, if asked systematically, Who (People)
represent the essential base to study q Who does it? Why does he / she do it?
Is it necessarily by specific skill level?
methods (what, why, who, where, when, how) q
q Is the person employed the most appropriate one?
q Who else could do it?
What (Purpose) q Who should do it?
q What is the aim of this activity?
q Is it necessary? Why? When (Sequence)
q Isn’t it possible to eliminate it? q When is it done? Why is it done at that time?
q What else could be done? q Is it the right moment to do it?
q What else should be done? Why?
q Can it be done before or after?
q While the machine is working?
Where (Place)
q When could it be done?
q Where is it done?
q When should it be done?
q Why is it done there?
q Is the work place organised in the most appropriate
way? How (Method)
Are the necessary tools available where they are q How is it done? Why is it done so?
used? Why?
q Is movement economy respected?
q Is the work place arranged in the right way?
q Is it possible to work in a different way? How?
Can it be done in another place?
q How else could it be done?
q where else could it be done?
q How should it be done?
q where should it be done?
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