Five success factors for the continuous improvement process
The continuous improvement process is the driver of quality, efficiency and organizational innovation. Facilitated by the continuous improvement manager and the idea management of a company, the continuous improvement process ensures that processes remain lean, efficiency increases continuously and companies inspire their customers with innovation. But what drives the continuous improvement process? In this article you will learn about five success factors.
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Success factor 1: Integrate CIP goals into your corporate strategy
Set yourself ambitious goals and make the results of your continuous improvement process measurable. Typical goals and indicators for success can be the number of ideas, the quality of ideas (measured in ratings) or specific savings targets. Think about which goals you want to achieve through activities in the continuous improvement process and which milestones exist. The clear definition of objectives helps you to make continuous improvement an important part of the day-to-day thinking and acting of your employees.
Success factor 2: Support employees throughout the entire process
What is the secret of companies that are particularly successful in managing the continuous improvement process? They support employees in the difficult and complex phase from problem identification to implementation. For this purpose, continuous improvement managers are named who methodically guide and support employees. They have a sound knowledge of methods such as Kaizen or Six Sigma, but also knowledge of creative techniques that help you to generate ideas. CIP managers and CIP coaches are sparring partners for employees and managers of the company. Their aim is to support committed employees in generating ideas of the highest possible quality and implementing these ideas successfully.
Success factor 3: Open your continuous improvement process to external partners
Regularly involve external stakeholders such as partners, suppliers or customers in the continuous improvement process. Ask customers what they find to be cumbersome and complicated. Gain approaches for new solution proposals with which you can simplify processes. Ideas from customers can be gained through the Innolytics® CI-Software, through workshops or for example a form on the homepage of a company. You can also use customer events or trade fairs to get in touch with customers and thus gain approaches for improving products and services.
Success factor 4: The culture of continuous improvement
Your corporate culture or innovation culture has a considerable influence on the number and quality of improvement ideas. Employees who continuously question the existing situation, develop innovative solutions and implement them through collaboration and teamwork are the driving force behind the continuous improvement process. In a culture that promotes continuous improvement, critical questions are welcome. Ideas, even if they appear unusual at first, are listened to and openly discussed.
Success factor 5: Connect your most creative minds via digital tools
The Internet enables a new form of collaboration. Whereas in the past members of CIP teams were often poorly informed about activities at other sites, the continuous improvement process gains a new form of transparency through digital tools. Solutions and ideas can be transferred more easily from one location to another, discussions can be conducted across departments.
The Innolytics® CI-Software supports companies in successfully implementing a continuous improvement process.
