A new question will appear each week in Snapshot. Answers will be listed on this page.
The “Improving How We Work” project is dedicated to the development of an improved work planning and control program, which is a top Impact Argonne priority for the laboratory. Our science deserves the best planning and execution. Argonne’s success depends on it. See the Improving How We Work webpage on Inside Argonne for details.
Sept. 10, 2018
Q. If our roles change in the new process, how will we learn the new functions and features that apply to our new roles?
A. Learning programs are being developed to support and educate staff on the new process, new roles and new expectations. Learning sessions and support documents will be provided to users of the new process. The learning and process and documentation teams are developing multiple types of support documents and learning materials as well as meetings and communications that will provide staff with all the help they need to successfully transition to the new process and application. Change Agents will also be available to help provide support and answer questions within the divisions.
Sept. 4, 2018
Q. To what degree will divisions be able to decide how they set up their work planning process?
A. The new Work Planning & Control program will provide guidelines and structure to Argonne’s standard practices for work planning. Divisions will have the ability to modify the process, if needed, for specific division needs. There will be an Argonne guide and divisions will have the ability to create a division specific guide as long as the key requirements are the same.
Aug. 29, 2018
Q. Oct. 1 is the go live for the new process. Will existing Work Control Documents be turned off?
A. Work Control Documents will not be turned off or deleted. Documents will be transitioned over to the new format during regular review cycles.
Aug. 20, 2018
Q. Will the new work planning and control process really be simpler?
A. Our stakeholder interviews told us that the existing output of the Work Planning & Control process was cumbersome. The project team has made simplification a core guiding principle in all their efforts – from simplifying learning programs to creating an “EZ” approach for low-risk work. The Work Planning & Control Project Team has kept simplification a goal wherever possible. “Simpler and Safer” has become the mantra for the team – staying focused on what is important as they work through all aspects of Work Planning & Control.
Aug. 14, 2018
Q. We’ve been doing Work Planning & Control for years. I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Why do we need this change?
A. Incidents across various areas of the lab over the last 18 months have revealed that the Work Planning & Control process is not working effectively. Feedback from staff has highlighted several opportunities to improve our current Work Planning & Control efforts. The project team in collaboration with multiple stakeholders are working to make the process simpler and safer wherever possible.