The “Right First Time” (RFT) method measures how effectively a manufacturing process produces products correctly on the first attempt, without the need for rework. In shoe manufacturing, RFT helps assess both quality and operational efficiency.

How to Calculate Right First Time (RFT)

The formula for calculating RFT is:

RFT (%) = (Number of passed goods / Total products produced) × 100

Right First Time Example

Let’s look at an example of a shoe manufacturing process over a week in the sewing department:

Total products produced: 1,000 pairs of shoes
Pairs requiring rework: 100 pairs

Step 1: Calculate the Number of Passed Goods

To find the number of passed goods, subtract the units requiring rework from the total pairs produced:

Good pairs = Total pairs – Pairs requiring rework

Good pairs = 1,000 – 100 = 900

Step 2: Apply the RFT Formula

Now, plug the values into the RFT formula:

RFT (%) = (900 / 1,000) × 100

RFT (%) = 0.9 × 100 = 90%

In this example, the RFT for the shoe manufacturing process is 90%. This means that 90% of the shoes produced were completed correctly the first time, while 10% required rework.

Why is Right First Time Important?

In shoe manufacturing, RFT plays a crucial role in indicating the improvement rate of the factory:

Quality Improvement: The RFT percentage reflects the quality performance of each production unit. A high RFT percentage indicates effective processes and high-quality outputs.
Cost Reduction: Reducing rework saves time and materials, leading to lower production costs.
Customer Satisfaction: A high RFT across production units ensures products meet quality standards, enhancing customer trust and satisfaction.

How to Improve Right First Time

To improve RFT in shoe manufacturing, consider the following strategies:

Operator Training: Implement a proper training plan for operators to ensure they are well-versed in processes and quality standards. Both single-skill and multi-skill training should be arranged with a clear plan.
Process Standardization: Establish clear, standardized procedures to minimize variability in the production process.
Quality Control Measures: Implement inspections at various production stages to detect defects early.
Poka Yoke Techniques: Use mistake-proofing methods to prevent errors from occurring in the first place.

First Time Through VS Right First Time

First Time Through (FTT) and Right First Time (RFT) may appear similar, but there are some fundamental differences between these two terms.

Scope: Both metrics track units produced without rework, but RFT focuses more on the quality of the finished product.
Defects: RFT is centered on whether the product meets quality standards, while FTT is about the efficiency of the entire process.

The Right First Time method is a valuable metric in shoe manufacturing, helping assess the efficiency and quality of production processes. By focusing on improving RFT, manufacturers can achieve better product quality, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.