The introduction of new developments is an important and complex process for any organization, especially when it is provoked by some negative incidents. In this case, it is necessary to draw up an implementation plan, which will include not only the implementation methodology but also the analysis of errors. The latter is vital since without analyzing the causes of errors, the incident can be repeated. Also, the implementation principles should be based not only on the existing conditions but also on the analysis of errors. The reason for this is the fact that error analysis can influence and change the principle of implementation, therefore, it must be taken into account.
After the incident in Columbia, Space Shuttle engineers developed a plan to enhance flight safety, which took into account the failures of the previous one. This development improved the existing principles of the operation of rocket mechanisms since it included not only the development itself but also its assessment. Thus, according to Safie (2009), the optimal humidity range and temperature of foam production were determined, which minimized the size and number of voids. Many narrowly focused specialists were also involved in this process, who were able to give the best quality recommendations and assessments. In addition, Safie (2009) states that engineers also increased quality-control inspections to ensure precise verification of crucial process steps. Quality control inspectors were involved, which minimized the chance of defects in the design.
All these factors have led to an improvement in the foam quality, which affects the efficiency and safety of the fuel system. Namely, the foam became thicker and stronger, with a fewer number of voids. This factor is critical for the stable operation of mechanisms, which makes it necessary to study and check the foam condition carefully. All these factors have significantly improved the safety of not only individual flights but also space flight safety as a whole.
To make the implementation process effective, one should determine key components of the integrated plan. In this case, these are statistical process, contamination, suppliers, and material control. In addition, among key components are configuration management control, training and operator certification, and process monitoring (Safie, 2009). However, lack of process control may lead to some disadvantages, such as the absence of engineering understanding and analyses. It may also lead to the inability of engineers to formulate their parameters to validate their requirements. This can affect the correct allocation of resources and the evaluation of the required strategies negatively; therefore, it is a critical factor.
Consequently, one may conclude that the implementation of any improvement plan, especially in organizations working with space flights, is a complex process. This is due to increased responsibility at the development stage because not only the financial success of the organization but also the lives of people depend on this. Therefore, not only the development process itself is important, but also the control of all stages, as well as the assessment.
Nowadays, there are many tools for controlling the statistical process. For maximum efficiency and convenience, such a tool should clearly show the whole picture. It is also important that one can immediately see several factors that are being evaluated. The Pareto Diagrams seem to be effective since they are compact and with many units being assessed. The horizontal categorical scale helps to accurately identify and evaluate any value, such as profit, failures, etc. Accordingly, when implementing process improvements, Pareto Diagrams appear to be the most productive. This is stated by the fact that when integrating improvements, one must take into account many factors with different meanings. This tool makes it possible to assess such values quickly and is also quite flexible in use.
Reference
Safie, M. F. (2009). Process improvement for Space Flight Safety. Ask Magazine, 57-60.