A complete understanding of a process, the ramifications of any and all changes, and the fundermental motivation for lowest cost product that meets the end customers needs – absolutely essential

This may involve experts from more than one part of the process

Document every variable in every step first

Setting out to prove a theory is counter productive.

Vested interests are counter productive.

Problem solving teams are unweildy, but are sometimes worthwhile to ensure that all are pulling in the same direction

Thorough dated documentation of all meetings, step changes, with results, including failures, must be circulated promptly, by the team leader