Factors to Consider in Pilot-Site Selection

Choosing the right facility for a pilot test requires balancing several factors, and there are no hard and fast criteria. However, you may find it helpful consider questions such as the following as you make your selection. 

A good candidate for selection as a pilot site would offer opportunities in each of these categories. Once you have identified several possibilities, ask the team to consider the benefits of each  

If the answer in both cases is yes, then consider the locd climate. Local cooperation—or lack of it—may he the single most important determinant of site selection, since without it you cannot field a valid test. However if you have kept facility managers informed or involved as the PSM process has gone forward, you should have some ideas about which of them would be par-ticulariy enthusiastic—or otherwise. In addition, having identified site-specific benefits may help you win the support of a manager who might otherwise be reluctant to participate. 

Note that the site selection process need not be lengthy or complex. Team members regular pb responsMities, as well as their PSM work to date, witt have thoroughly acquainted them vdth a range of your company s facilities. It s more than likely that logical candidates for the pilot site will have emerged naturally from the process and may already have been proposed. 

Involving nonmanagement employees In the PSM pilot can be very helpful. Involvement at early stages encourages buy-in from people who mil ultimately be important to the success of PSM. If you select a unionized facility, it may be wise to involve the local representative in advance of the test. Consult with the facility manager to avoid misunderstandings. 

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