Marta, One of the key to productivity is organization. This applies to
every aspect of the processes involved in jewelry work. This can be in
the form ranging from organization of tools, paperwork and the manner
of brainstorming to achieve a goal such as flowcharting.
You will need to define your task and gain an perspective of how the
system works. Here are suggested steps for developing preliminary task
descriptions during system conceptualization.
One: Analyze initial mission descriptions, purpose, goals, and
operational requirements to try to isolate obvious activities.
Two: Create a graphic representation of the sequence of events
showing key human (skills) and hardware (tools) element, flow of
(how you manage and communicate), materials (metals, fuel,
findings, etc.), mobile components (UPS, route drivers, reps), and
people (your co-workers). Sometimes this is referred to as a
“storyboard” method of activity portrayal. The objective should be to
make it clear ( without verbal explanation) what this system does and
how it does this via hardware elements, human elements and even
“unseen elements,” e.g. telecommunication, paper transfer, and direct
verbal communication.
Three: Analyze each of the principal activity clusters and define the
task involved in each activity.
Four: Create a graphic representation of each activity or task event,
first to show flow and then to show operator and equipment
tasks. This would be a flow chart of how and when you manage your
tasks. For example, a trade repairer would first look through the job
pan and organize tasks in order. First the rings that needs sizing
down in the first batch, then rings that needs sizing up in the second
batch, then setting jobs in the third and so forth. This method would
increase productivity since tools required would not have to be
rotated so often. And all rings can be worked on at the same time,
e.g. scribe sizing marks on all of them, then cut pieces out of each
one, then close them, lay them all out in a row to prep for soldering
and so forth.
Five: Next, create an operational sequence diagram that will show the
probable mechanical or manual links between human and hardware
elements. In the case of a bench worker, the tools would be placed and
replaced in proper order to allow fluid and efficient movement. A
benchworker with tools scattered all over the tray and bench top is
likely to work less productively than one who has tools placed in an
organized manner.
Six: Prepare a general task description and equipment requirement
statement for each activity cluster. This is basically a summary of
the above. Take into consideration what work habits and tools works
best for you. Also set your schedule to allow you to stick with them
without interference.
For example, when I did jewelry repairs in my shop, I set guidelines
such as when I would take calls from my clients mostly from 2pm to
6pm. This would allow my to pick up jobs in the morning, take
inventory of jobs, order and/or pick up parts, make important outgoing
calls, etc. Then in the 2-6pm timeframe, I would be available to take
calls while in my shop.
I hope this will lead you to the right direction.
Dan Biery-Esoteric Artist/Craftsman
Goldsmith/Industrial Designer/Watchmaker
www.nobleconcepts.com
@Dan_Biery
‘The early bird may get the worm,
but the second mouse always gets the bait’