Governing for Results 13 - Washington State Digital Archives

Department of Licensing
Vessel Decal/Tab Return Rate Improvements
In 1991 the rate for "returns" of Vessel decals and validation was at 24%. This
meant that 24% of the decals and tabs produced for distribution were destroyed
once returned because they weren’t sold. Tom Richardson, our supply officer,
established control charts in order to monitor the process and gather data to
indicate areas for potential process improvement. He gradually began to cut
back on the amount of decals and tabs that were delivered to our customers --
more closely matching demand with the supply of decals and tabs. It took time
for our customers to become comfortable with the cutback in supplies (or surplus
stock) being delivered. In 1994 it was decided that a 12% return rate would be
acceptable. However through Tom’s efforts he was able to reduce the return rate
to the present 4.6%.
Results
★ A savings of $7,980 as a result of going from the "acceptable return rate" of
12% to the actual return rate of 4.6%.
★ An imputed savings of $32,000 when comparing the high return rate of 31%
in 1991 to the current rate of 4.6%.
★ Reduction in the time spent by staff (Agents and sub-agents) in identifying
and inventorying tabs designated for return to Department of Licensing
(DOL).
★ DOL staff time saved not having to perform the "de-assigning" function for
expired inventory (assignment of tabs to counties and then to agents/subagents).
For example, in King County the returned inventory decreased from
500,000 tabs to 70,000.
Team Name: Vessel Tab/Decal Return Rate Improvement
Team Members: Tom Richardson
CONTACT: Tom Richardson, (360) 902-3831
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