[ Rework ]

In manufacturing, tracing failed products is part of the quality control process.  There are statistical analyses done regularly to find out where flaws in the process are.  Once that is determined, a program is put in place to rectify them.  Rework is costly, inefficient, and bad for business.

The same applies for knowledge work:  any time a report or drawing goes around the review cycle multiple times, that’s effectively rework.  Worse, when the wrong drawing goes to site and is used before the mistake is discovered: that’s costly rework.

Review procedures and document control are key processes in avoiding rework.