News & Articles

Answering the question, “Does everyone want to be profitable?”, depends on the goals set by the CEO and executives of the company regarding the desired outcomes from the systems used by the firm to drive profitability. In most cases, it is up to the managers and their engineers to generate profitability from the existing systems that are integral to the organization’s production of products and services. These products and services are then valued by customers, who pay a cost to the company in exchange for them. Challenges and Solutions The challenge that engineers and managers face alike is the complexity…

This article explores the distinction between guessing and thinking as cognitive processes. Guessing involves making quick decisions or forming opinions without substantial evidence, relying on intuition. On the other hand, thinking is a deliberate and evidence-based process that aims for accuracy through careful consideration. The article discusses the disparities in decision-making basis, evidence, reasoning, speed, accuracy, informed decision-making, and engagement of cognitive processes. It emphasizes the significance of thoughtful analysis over guesswork, particularly in engineering and innovation endeavors. The article advocates for embracing thinking processes and utilizing tools like PRIZ Guru for efficient problem-solving and idea generation. Guessing involves making…

When a task force is working on a problem, it is important to understand the context and objectives of the project. This understanding helps the team approach the problem more effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, when utilizing AI assistance throughout the project, the context and objectives become even more crucial, as the quality of AI’s output depends on the data provided. This is exactly why we have introduced the context for every project. Understanding the Context Understanding the context of a problem-solving project involves gaining insights into the industry, department, and goal of the project. It allows the task force to…

RCA thinking is a tool for learning how the system operates and creating solutions to problems.

Problem solving and innovation are often seen as separate concepts, but they are actually closely intertwined. While problem solving involves finding solutions to complex issues, innovation is about introducing new ideas or approaches. Effective problem solving incorporates innovative thinking, whether it’s in designing projects, analyzing data, or collaborating with others. In our modern era, where systems are more complex than ever, problem solving requires a structured and systematic approach. Leading companies like Samsung, LG Electronics, and TSMC have recognized the value of this approach and have achieved success by applying innovative methods. By adopting these practices, businesses can improve operational…

At PRIZ Guru, we understand the challenges engineers face when it comes to finding relevant information to solve complex problems. Hours of searching through countless articles, purchasing resources, and sifting through irrelevant content can be frustrating and time-consuming. How often have you needed just a single paragraph from an article, wasting precious time in the process? We recognized the need for a more efficient solution. That’s why we are thrilled to announce the launch of our expanded AI assistant. With its advanced capabilities, our AI assistant is here to revolutionize the way you work on your projects. Whether you need…

At PRIZ, we are dedicated to accelerating the problem-solving process with the help of our AI assistant. In line with this vision, we are excited to announce a significant enhancement to the PRIZ Platform – the integration of an AI assistant specifically designed to assist in defining problem statements. With this latest development, you now have the ability to streamline the process of building a problem statement, almost putting it on autopilot. While our goal is not to fully automate the process, our AI assistant provides conversational support. It acts as a collaborative participant, engaging in conversations with engineers to…

This article explores the various components of production costs and the factors that lead to their escalation, such as inflation, technological advancements, and market shifts. It emphasizes the need for a problem-solving culture as a strategy for effective cost reduction and highlights hidden opportunities for cost reduction through process optimization. The article further provides a simple strategy for reducing production costs by categorizing operations and improving or eliminating them accordingly. Production costs Production cost refers to the total expenses incurred in making a product or providing a service, including materials, labor, and related costs. For a more detailed explanation of…

The word “Innovation” meets us everywhere: at work, bank, pharmacy, bank, post office, gym, playground… “Innovation” became a brand indicating the effectiveness and success of the company. Do we clearly understand what innovation is? This article discusses the essence of innovation and the difference between innovation and process/product change, improvement, or fixing. We also discuss and describe the innovation process using the PRIZ Innovation Platform. The Ambiguity of Innovation Definitions The internet provides an abundance of different definitions and explanations of innovation. This suggests that the concept of innovation is not trivial and requires further analysis and clarification. According to…