For three decades, Ingalls has taken suggestions from shipbuilders and implemented them to improve processes, bringing your ideas to life so we can build military ships that are strong and safe.
EPIC, which stands for Enterprise Process Improvement Center, is a suggestion program that gives shipbuilders the opportunity to provide innovative solutions to the work you do each day involving safety, quality, risk mitigation and schedule.
Tommy Cauthen, manager, Industrial Engineering, was at the forefront of the program’s development when it started in 1994.
“I was assigned the responsibility of presenting a proposal to senior management for starting a suggestion program at Ingalls, which included benchmarking information from other defense industry companies of similar size,” recalled Tommy. “As part of that assignment, my goal was to create mechanisms to motivate shipbuilders to submit cost-reducing proposals.”
By 2015, the program had evolved. It now falls under the Industrial Engineering umbrella. Tommy was tapped once again to take leadership of the program.
Tommy and his team members have dedicated themselves to reviewing and processing in excess of 24,000 suggestions all submitted since the program’s inception. Thousands of suggestions have been implemented, bringing efficiency and cost savings to various operations throughout Ingalls.
“The innovative solutions submitted by shipbuilders not only helps in day-to-day tasks, but also improves morale and engagement while enhancing performance,” said Tommy. “It’s a moment of great pride when you see shipbuilders invested in the important work they do. Many of the suggestions lead to cost savings, which makes Ingalls more competitive. And being competitive facilitates more ship contracts, which ensures work for future shipbuilders.”
The drive for innovation keeps Tommy excited about the future of the shipyard.
“I come to work every day with the thought that there are going to be new challenges to address. Some of them I know about – like opportunities to drive reductions in energy cost, increase automation, consolidate processes or simplify work – and others that I cannot see today because they are beyond the horizon,” said Tommy.
As an Ingalls shipbuilder, the work you do is important. Work smarter by sharing your EPIC ideas for ways to improve processes and efficiency. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about EPIC and learn how to share your suggestions.