Hi,
New to the forum so apologies if this is not in the right section, I'm looking for help with understanding whether the Pareto Principle could be used in the following scenario, or, alternatively, if another methodology could be used.
High level, I have a pot of errors produced from submissions from various sources. I noticed that a large number of the errors actually came from the same source. I remembered an 20/80 rule which stated something along the lines of "80% of the errors are produced from 20% of the work". Has anyone ever used this principle before and to what success?
Many thanks
Matt
Matt,
As will all problems you encounter, don't try to apply any tool, technique or principle too rigidly. Do what works.
The Pareto Principle is value because it's easy to remember and can help you quickly identify where to focus your efforts. But it sounds like you answered your own question. If 80% of your errors are coming from the same 20% of source, then take a closer look at those 20% of sources. Obviously if you fix them you will fix a great number of errors. But keep in mind that the 80-20 rules doesn't tell you anything about the amount of time it will take to fix the source of the problem. Start with the 20 percent, estimate the fix time of each, prioritize and rank accordingly.
Excellent, makes perfect sense.
I have taken what you have suggested and already began to implement the change. Delivery time is relatively small so seems a big win already
Appreciate your help
I personally dislike the 80/20 rule in that it can be an excuse for mediocrity in a lot of cases. Lets not aim to do the best we can cause we only need to satisfy 80%. if you aim for mediocrity, that's the best you can achieve.
Rant over
Kimb
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