Agree an action
How should we test the new layout? Explain your plan.
How should we test the new layout? Explain your plan.
1 · Notice the conversation
Colleague: How should we test the new layout?
You: We should test a small batch before changing the whole process.
Colleague: What will the trial help us check?
You: This lets us check whether less waste still means good quality.
Colleague: What output should we use to calculate unit cost?
You: We should calculate unit cost using the number of good bags.
2 · Understand what each phrase does
material waste
materials we throw away
We need to reduce material waste.
这里指材料损耗；时间浪费可以用 wasted time，不能直接套 material。bottleneck
the slow step that holds up the rest
Packing is the production bottleneck.
不是所有慢任务都是瓶颈；它必须限制整体流程的产出。unit cost
the cost of making one item
Our unit cost is six pounds.
单位成本与总支出不同；比较时要一致地计算成本和产量。3 · Rehearse, then change the details
We should test a small batch before changing the whole process.
This lets us check whether less waste still means good quality.
We should calculate unit cost using the number of good bags.
We should also check whether packing remains a bottleneck.
Keep the purpose; change the person, document or time. A simple, accurate sentence is enough.
4 · Respond to your colleague
How should we test the new layout?
行动：先小批试做，再决定全线改变。
See one possible reply
We should test a small batch before changing the whole process.
What will the trial help us check?
检验：省料的同时，成品必须合格。
See one possible reply
This lets us check whether less waste still means good quality.
What output should we use to calculate unit cost?
计算口径：用合格袋子数量，不能把次品也当产出。
See one possible reply
We should calculate unit cost using the number of good bags.
5 · Try a different situation
What if the bags fail the quality check?
What if the bags fail the quality check?
Address the changed condition. Choose a practical next step and explain why it helps.
- My response addresses the changed condition.
- I explain one practical action and its likely effect.
- I make the next step clear.
6 · Recall without the model tomorrow
How many bags should we make first?