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Step 1: Identify Improvement Opportunities. In this step we help your leadership team define the system. Together we Map it, Measure it, and Understand it. The Leadership selects an opportunity that shows clear promise and need for improvement. We assist them in selecting and chartering the right team with specific directions and boundaries.
One of the keys to CPI is to establish a complete Family of Measures for all processes. This Family is broken into two parts; routine and special. Routine metrics are critical to tracking the perormance and operation of each process. Special metrics are short-term measurements that help isolate root causes. These measures are spearate and distinct from other measures of performance of personnel and success of goals.
Step 2: Evaluate Process. We guide the team in a review of the process – establish measurement and data collection requirements and initiate the data collection period. This helps the team better understand the specific issues related to the improvement initiative and set improvement targets based on understanding and data. PI Team documents the specific process in more detail. They establish PI Measures (special), initiate Storyboard documentation, and after gaining a clear understanding of the process they may choose to simplify the process by removing redundant or alternative steps. In some worlds this is the start to LEAN the process.
Step 3: Analyze for Root Causes. The team then conducts a root cause analysis on the area of focus for improvement. They verify root causes using documented charts, graphs, etc.
Step 4: Develop Hypothesis and Take Ation. The team then develops a theory of the root cause and possible actions to overcome the issues. Select and Develop an Action Plan to implement the changes . Plan for and undertake a test of the changes to overcome the root causes.
Step 5: Study Results. We hel the team assess the changes for measurable improvement ensuring that they understand why we got the results we did. Then, based on the results, we work with the team to determine what needs to be done to implement the changes and brief the leadership team.
Step 6: Standardize Solutions. We guide the group in developing their standardization strategy that includes adapting the process maps, Standard Operating Procedures, support systems, Process Measures, and training the staff on how to use the new process.
Step 7: Plan for Future. Develop ways for the workforce to initiate or document issues to update and maintain the process in peak performance. Identify the next process improvement initiative.
Throughout the engagement our focus is on identifying structures and processes the team will use in future events as they go through a process improvement initiative. Our aim is to facilitate your learning so that your team may become independently functional as a CPI/Process Improvement Team.
If you would like to discuss our approach or using our process consultants or facilitators to support your process improvement initiatives please contact:
Wayne Vick, CPF
CEO & Executive Facilitator
703-913-6513
Email Wayne | 
