1 Continuous Improvement

2 The C.I. Focus Cycle of Continuous Improvement Expose Problems Implement New Methods Solve Problems Standardize CI

3 Continuous Improvement Continuous Improvement is an integral part of successful manufacturing/service etc. in today’s competitive environment. It can help your company  Reduce waste  Increase efficiency  Improve quality  Reduce cost

4 Continuous Improvement is systematically identifying and eliminating waste, as quickly as possible, and at the lowest possible cost. Continuous Improvement simple definition:

5 The Outcome of Continuous Improvement  Improved Quality at the Process  Eliminated Bottlenecks  Increased Visual Management  Reduced Fluctuation  Increased Knowledge  Reduced Costs  Increased Efficiency (Doing more with the same or Doing the same with less)

6 Safety A safe work environment is one of the cornerstones of a successful business. Continuous Improvement supports the idea that no change should ever be made to a process that has a negative impact on safety!

7 Quality There are quality standards and expectations demanded of any manufacturing product. Changes to the process should never decrease the quality of the product provided to the customer!

Process Model

Understand the Process: Variations are Major Enemies Detecting mode (heavy dependence on inspection/testing/control): Fire fighting is not effective Preventive mode (emphasis on “do it right the first time and all the time): Use FEEDBACK to take corrective actions so that the process can be continuously improved.

Continuous Improvement Build a quality (continuous improvement) culture. Positive and Constructive. Drive out fear. Provide organization-structural assurance for continuing feedback system. Respond to customers needs and solve problems timely. Standardize the procedure and continuously improve it.

The rationale for continuous improvement is that it is necessary in order to compete in the global marketplace. Just maintaining the status quo, even if the status quo is high quality, is like standing still in a race. Management’s role in continuous improvement is leadership. Executive-level managers must be involved personally and extensively. The responsibility for continuous improvement cannot be delegated. Continuous improvement

Standard process improvement strategies:  Describing the process  Standardizing the process  Eliminating errors in the process  Streamlining the process  Reducing sources of variation  Bringing the process under statistical control  Improving the design of the process. Continuous improvement

Class Discussion  Organizations (Quality Culture)  Leadership (Quality Leadership, Communication & Trust)  Decision Making (What mistakes leaders make?) 13