In today’s fast-paced industries, maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of engineers, technicians, and managers is essential for success. This article explores the application of the Action Preventing Action (APA) tool within the PRIZ Innovation Platform to analyze workplace dynamics and identify barriers to optimal performance. By systematically addressing these barriers, the APA tool offers actionable insights and innovative solutions, ensuring teams work faster, smarter, and with greater precision. Discover how leveraging this approach can transform staff productivity and elevate organizational outcomes. Production Yield Indicates the Health of Manufacturing Production yield is one of the main indicators of manufacturing health. Would…

Would you agree to lower your standard of living? Would you give up the internet, cell phones, air-conditioned apartments, etc.? I believe you wouldn’t. If you want to continue enjoying your current living conditions, you need to support innovation and do everything possible to keep it going. Innovation must continue. Don’t expect someone else to innovate for you. No, all of us, humanity as a whole, should be innovative everywhere and anytime to make our lives better. It’s important to mention that innovation always solves existing problems. This article discusses how to innovate, find the best tools for innovative thinking,…

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…

This article discusses the importance of using the engineering method of problem solving in an engineering environment instead of resorting to engineering guessing. It covers the dangers of engineering guessing and the benefits of using this structured method. The article also outlines a systematic approach to problem-solving using problem-solving tools and facilitation, such as the PRIZ Innovation platform. Proper documentation, defining the problem statement, identifying root causes, and understanding the process are all essential components of the engineering method of problem solving, which is the only way to generate fast and effective solutions. Types of Problems in a Production Environment…

Engineering work is built on three essential pillars: process improvement, cost reduction, and root cause analysis. Engineers should dedicate their thinking to a specific and measurable target, use thinking tools and resources, and recognize and value engineering thinking. The PRIZ Innovation Platform offers tools for engineering thinking, including Process Functional Modeling, 40 Inventive Principles, and Effective Brainstorming. Engineers should focus on improving only those operations that increase the value of the product, remove all operations that do not increase the value of the product, and understand the origin of defects and eliminate them. What does an engineer do? What does…

In today’s rapidly changing world, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are becoming more crucial than ever. One specific skill that can help individuals creatively solve problems is engineering thinking. In schools and universities, we teach math, physics, biology, programming, and many other tools. This is great! Knowing tools is extremely important. Unfortunately, despite its high demand, the current education system often neglects this very important skill called Engineering Thinking. The consequences of this neglect are significant. Without engineering thinking, students are not fully equipped to tackle real-world problems they may encounter in their future careers. Many students may find themselves…

As an engineer or innovator, you may often find yourself faced with complex problems that require a solution. In these situations, it can be tempting to rely solely on your own knowledge and experience to find a solution. However, have you ever considered the benefits of using problem-solving tools? Why do we need these tools, and what can we gain from incorporating creative thinking instruments into our problem-solving process? In this article, we’ll explore the importance of problem-solving tools and the advantages they offer for engineers and innovators. Let’s start with a definition, and try to answer what is engineering…

We work with engineers every day, some manage engineers, hiring engineers, looking for new engineering opportunities, and so on. But, when was the last time we asked ourselves “who is an engineer?”. Have we invested the time to understand the meaning of being an engineer? On these occasions, we like to start from the basis, from the official definition. As per Cambridge Dictionary: An engineer is “a person whose job is to design or build machines, engines, or electrical equipment, or things such as roads, railways, or bridges, using scientific principles”. It sounds like, the “scientific principle” is a key…

“Our life would never be as advanced and comfortable as it is if not for the application of tantalum and niobium.” And this is right. This is what I wrote at the very beginning of my book about tantalum and niobium chemistry. Tantalum capacitors are everywhere: in our cellphones, computers, in about any electronic device you use. Due to the unique properties of tantalum, these capacitors provide a champion performance within the smallest size. Defibrillators and pacemakers contain tantalum capacitors because of their reliability. Tantalum is the only material that is fully compatible with the human body; therefore, parts made…