Project Type: Work Project
Team: Client, PMs, Engineers, Fulfillment Teams, and Factory Teams
Role: Engineering Project Specialist
Skill: Project Management, Communication
Background
After receiving the build matrix from clients, the Engineering Project Specialist (EPS) creates a control table to manage and communicate project details. This table is essential in keeping all teams informed and aligned throughout production processes. While working with the existing control table template, I found several opportunities to optimize the table for better readability, accuracy, and efficiency across teams.
Challenge
Information overload
Surface-mount Technology (SMT) and Final Assembly, Test, and Pack (FATP) processes involve hundreds to thousands of materials. The vast amount of material data makes it challenging for team members to understand each configuration detail within the table.
Material Identification
Hardware validation uses materials from various manufacturers as primary or secondary sources, each requiring separate validation to maintain yield rate. This variety in sourcing can make it difficult for team members to correctly identify parts on the table, leading to potential confusion.
Shipping Plan
After assembly, the EPS coordinates with the fulfillment team to arrange the shipment of devices or semi-finished products for further validation. This information is mainly for the fulfillment team. Combining configuration and shipping details in a single table can create unnecessary complexity.
My Approach
Adjust Layout and Color-Coding
I applied color coding on the SMT and FATP configuration tables to highlight distinct items, helping team members easily distinguish the subtle differences between configurations and enhancing readability.
Add Quanta Part Number (QPN)
The original control table used supplier names to identify each material. However, I noticed that some team members at Quanta preferred using Part Numbers (PN) rather than supplier names. I added the Quanta Part Number (QPN) to the control table to make material identification facile for the team members.
Configuration Details
Shipping Plan
Separate Configuration Details and Shipping Plan
Combining configuration and shipping details in a single table is confusing because factory teams only need to know which materials to use, and the fulfillment team focuses on shipping requirements. Therefore, I separated these details into two tables to reduce complexity and improve readability.
Outcome
Efficiency
By reorganizing the layout and separating configuration from shipping details, the control table allowed team members to navigate essential information, significantly reducing the time spent searching for specific details and streamlining project coordination.
Accuracy
Adding Quanta Part Numbers (QPNs) addressed material identification challenges, reducing errors by enabling team members to reference familiar identifiers.
Communication
Redesigning the control table enhanced cross-functional alignment by enabling different teams to stay informed on current statuses without confusion.
How this experience apply to Product Design?
User-Centered Problem Solving
In redesigning the control table, I addressed the needs of each team, ensuring that the final structure provided clarity and relevance for all users. This approach demonstrates my ability to apply user-centered problem-solving, which is a core skill in product design.
Visual Hierarchy and Clarity
I used color coding to create a visual hierarchy, making configuration details more accessible and intuitive. This design choice mirrors the principles of visual hierarchy in product design, guiding users to enhance usability and experience.
Cross-Functional Communication
As an EPS, I ensured alignment and smooth project flow across teams. This experience has strengthened my ability to collaborate cross-functionally, an essential skill for product designers working in multidisciplinary environments.