Our continuing ode to Dr. W. Edwards Deming and his book titled “Out of the Crisis” summarizing his famous 14-point management philosophy.
Deming Point # 5 – Improve constantly and forever
Improvement is a continuous process. Deming promoted the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach to process analysis and improvement. A nuance to the PDCA cycle is that not all implemented improvements actually turn out to be improvements. The Check-Act segments of the cycle help to bear out the fruits or warts of change and allow reaction to it. Also, while there used to be a sentiment that improvement can reach the level of diminishing returns, the hyper rate of evolving technology has resulted in a continuous need to assess possible improvements, as the status quo constantly changes.
Emphasize continuous training and education. A reinforcement of what was learned at hire plus any new developments just to assure all personnel are on the same page as the PDCA cycle has been in effect.
Remember that the focus and result of change is not just direct monetary, i.e. direct ROI . It may show up elsewhere. Quality improvement includes the entire operational package, i.e. productivity, effectiveness, safety, and waste reduction. As such, improvement can see indirect gains in areas like; your people are more satisfied, they have improved commitment, improved retention, improved competitiveness, improved problem solving through improved teams.
More blog posts about Deming’s 14 points:
#1- Create a constant purpose toward improvement.
#3-Stop depending on inspections
#4-Use a single supplier for any one item
#6-Use training throughout the work cycle
#9-Break down barriers between departments
#10-Get rid of unclear slogans
#11-Eliminate management by objectives
#12-Remove barriers to pride of workmanship