Continuously improve in 2011

The New Year has begun and every new year kicks off new projects/programs.
New programs in almost every function of the enterprise are planned for the entire year.And Continuous Improvement program also gets new goals, targets and plans.

Continuous improvement is tough in today's business climate.
Businesses are trying to do more with less. Less resources to take care of routine work. On top of this there is the CI program that needs resources too.
Most people devote time to CI projects after taking care of their routine responsibilities.

So how do you plan for Continuous Improvements in 2011?
1. Simple tools like 5-Why Analysis, PDCA, Cause and Effect diagram are easy to understand and use.
2. Create a learning environment where everyone learns by applying.
3. Encourage people to just try a new tool or technique for improving a process. Sometimes the best solution is to Just do it.
4. Plan for Continuous improvement with the end goal in mind. Sporadic improvements here and there are useful but won't get the CI program far.
5. Link each CI activity/project to financial benefits.
6. Communicate the progress of the CI program to all levels of the enterprise. Leadership needs to know what has been achieved and the goals for the CI program.
7. Periodically Measure how the CI program is actually doing compared to the goals/targets.
8. Tweak the program if it is not achieving the set goals but never give up on your CI initiative.
9. Know your CI toolkit and update your skills to use the tools in your improvement projects.
10. The key is to persist inspite of the challenges and never stop continuously improving your processes!

We would like to hear about your CI program in 2011. Are you planning for new tools you would try in your CI projects?
Drop us a line about your CI plans for 2011 at info@sybeq.com.