Simple continuous improvement model with helpful tips.

1. Valentium!
Consulting!
Con$nuous Improvement 101
Simple Model and Tips for Success

2. Model & Pres. Purpose Valentium!
Consulting!
DMAIC
Define Measure Analyze Improve Control
Purpose: To provide a simple framework for
organiza$ons new to systemic and
structured con$nuous improvement
programs.
Focus: To increase the number of individuals
driving change efforts and infusing local
resources with new competencies.

3. DMAIC Basics Valentium!
Consulting!
Define Measure Analyze Improve Control
Helpful Tips
• Invest in the selec$on process.
Main Components
• Ensure projects are well scoped.
• Project Selec$on • Focus on making a few projects
successful vs. launching many.
• Process Champion Assignment • Ini$al focus is on crea$ng
organiza$onal competency.
• Project Charter • Fully resource & support the teams.
• Resource Alloca$on ‐ Team • Remain engaged and visible.
• Set Expecta$on.
Strategic Plan Opera$ng Metrics Quality Data
Effec%ve Project and Team Selec%on is a Cri%cal Up‐Front Process

4. DMAIC Basics Valentium!
Consulting!
Define Measure Analyze Improve Control
Helpful Tips
• Simplify the data gathering for
Essen8al Tools
teams so they can get to the
• Pareto…………………………… Priori4ze analysis sooner.
• Provide oversight early on to help
• Histograms …...…………..… Varia4on them determine the best for
viewing the data.
• Run or Control Charts ….. Trending • Ensure that the data being
collected directly relates to
assigned project defini$on.
Benefits
• Keeps discussions objec$ve and focused (Fact Based)
• Systema$c scien$fic approach to Problem Solving
• Shows what is really happening
• Used to track the impact of ac$ons
Se;ng the Founda%on for Data‐Based Decision‐Making

5. DMAIC Basics Valentium!
Consulting!
Define Measure Analyze Improve Control
Helpful Tips
• Insist on data to support findings.
Essen8al Tools
• Ensure that findings link back to the
• Process Mapping ………… Observe performance metric and problem
defini$on.
• Fishbone Diagrams …….. Rela4onships • Shadow the team and coach as
necessary to help them find true
• 5 Why’s …………………..….. Probing Q’s root causes.
Benefits
• Quest for root‐cause vs. symptoms
• Consider mul$ple factors that contribute to the problem (360°)
• Address why the issue exists and address the distance between
issue crea$on and issue detec$on
Iden%fy the Key Drivers that Require Change

6. DMAIC Basics Valentium!
Consulting!
Define Measure Analyze Improve Control
Helpful Tips
• Focus team on solu$ons that can be
Essen8al Tools
easily implemented and require
• Brainstorm ………………….. Generate Solu4ons minimal investment (S$ck to the
basics vs. fancy recommenda$ons).
• Cost‐Benefit Analysis ….. Assess Impact • An$cipate barriers the team may
face and a^ain buy‐in from others.
• Project Mgmt ………….….. What, Who, When • Don’t over analyze ROI. Select high
hi^ers and empower the team with
ac$on.
Benefits
• Iden$fy team generated solu$ons linked to the data analysis
• Priori$zed set of solu$ons to implement
• Ac$on oriented plan as to how to proceed and what is needed
• Buy‐in from all stake holders
A Defini%ve Call‐to‐Ac%on

7. DMAIC Basics Valentium!
Consulting!
Define Measure Analyze Improve Control
Helpful Tips
Essen8al Tools • Push for simple solu$ons that
integrate well into exis$ng
• Poka‐Yoke ………………….. Simplify Solu4ons frameworks (look for incremental
and significant change vs. a
• Standardiza$on ………….. Create a New Norm revolu$on).
• Team Dynamics…………… Make “US” Work • Don’t underes$mate the energy
required to have the solu$ons
• Change Mgmt ..………….. Las4ng Improvement adopted and integrated into the
new norm.
• Monitor metrics and celebrate both
successes and lessons learned from
failures.
Benefits
• Formalize change once solu$ons are proven
• Manage through the “people” challenges
• Focus on results
Generate Excitement by Crea%ng Las%ng Change Through People

8. Summary Valentium!
Consulting!
Define Effec%ve Project and Team Selec%on is a Cri%cal Up‐Front Process
Measure Se;ng the Founda%on for Data‐Based Decision‐Making
Analyze Iden%fy the Key Drivers that Require Change
Improve A Defini%ve Call‐to‐Ac%on
Control Generate Excitement by Crea%ng Las%ng Change Through People
A Simple Outline for a Systemic, Data‐Driven Con%nuous Improvement System