Aspire Tools

ASPIRE includes improvement tools like Suggestion Management, VE, TOP, Six Sigma, TPM, Knowledge Management, TOC and some others. The broad improvement processes relate to TQM principles of Daily Management, Policy Management, Problem solving and Task achieving under the Aspire model.

• Value Engineering (VE): Value Engineering is an organized approach for identification and elimination of unnecessary cost.

• QIP, QC & Benchmarking: Tata Steel adopted Juran Trilogy concept for undertaking Quality Improvement Projects (QIP). Quality Circles (QC) are small group activities which involves first-line employees who continually control and improve the quality of their work, products and services. Benchmarking is a process of exploring for best practices and performances across the world and putting systematic efforts to bridge the gap.

• Total Operational Performance (TOP): Total Operational Performance initiative was launched in 1998 with the help of McKinsey. Major focus of this initiative was on cost reduction, quality & throughput improvement.

• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM): TPM is an approach to maintenance that optimises equipment effectiveness, eliminates breakdowns and promotes autonomous maintenance by operators through day to day activities involving the total workforce.

• Knowledge Management (KM): Tata Steel decided to embark on formal KM initiative in the year 1999. The beginning was made in July ’99 to place a Knowledge Management (KM) program for the company and systematically as well as formally share and transfer learning concepts, best practices and other implicit knowledge.

• Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control (DMAIC): The fundamental objective of the DMAIC methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction.

• Define-Measure-Analyse-Design-Improve-Control (DMADIC): This tool is based on Design for Six Sigma Philosophy. DMADIC focus is predominantly on design aspects. It is generally used for Task Achieving Projects like New Product Development, New Market Development etc.

• TOP in Marketing: Launched in 2002 with the help of McKinsey, TOP in Marketing was the first new ASPIRE initiative launched with a focus on creating value through partnership with customers.

• Supplier Value Management (SVM): This aims to reduce costs and resources in the entire value chain of supplier and Tata Steel. Value creation is focused through better understanding of customer (internal) requirements and supplier capabilities.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Quality Management Systems as required, like ISO 9000, TS16949, OSHAS, ISO 14000 etc. are adopted by various units to establish basic management systems.

• Small Group Activities (SGA): Small Group Activities (SGA) are promoted under daily management through SGA teams who meet, identify, discuss and implement small improvements (Kaizens) in the area of work. QC circles and TPM circles are known as SGA teams.

• ASPIRE T3: ASPIRE T3 Launched in November, 2006 this initiative focuses on implementation of Theory of Constraints (TOC), Total Quality Management (TQM) and Technology. This will help the company to become more competitive and a global leader by achieving excellence in product & service quality. TQM & Technology will help to achieve superior product quality through process consistency, process capability and technological capability, whereas service quality is being focused through TOC implementation.

• J. N. Tata / S. Vishwanathan Total Quality Assurance Process: Tata Steel has instituted J N Tata / S Vishwanathan Total Quality Assurance process. This process is developed in line with Tata Business Excellence Model (TBEM) which is based on US Govt. Malcolm Baldridge Model.

• Deming Assessment: This assessment is done by Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) for the companies implementing TQM practices and applying for Deming Application Prize.