4 Keys to Driving Improvement

When engaged in broad-based improvement, we focus on four key elements:

· Human relations

· Variation

· The customer-supplier relationship

· Work & work processes

Human relations are important because people must adopt the proper perspectives and attitude toward improvement. They must be educated in not only the methods for initiating improvement, but also the fundamental concepts associated with continuous improvement.

Though often under-estimated, process variation is a costly pitfall if ignored. As noted in an earlier post, find out where your business practice varies from the theory and what variations are having the greatest impact on your success. Controlling these variables will help you achieve consistency and added success!

Enhanced communication with suppliers can lower costs and significantly reduce waste. Keep in mind that large quantities of waste are most often found in the "hand-off" areas - the interstices between departments, divisions or organizations.

Finally, continuously planning, studying, changing & improving work and work processes is what results in sustainable, bottom-line gains - the cornerstone of our methodology.