Continuous Improvement - Can anyone tell me how are you using the CI? Forms?

[tattva]

Continuos Improvement

We have what I could call a very strong program on making improvements, only problem is senior managers complianed about the C. I. records arguing they were too difficult to fill and it stole them too much time.

My manager told me to come up with an easier record to fill.

Can anyone tell me how are you using the C.I, and if you fill out a record?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sam]

This is a form we use.

 

[Kevin Mader]

Tattva,

There are a number of ways to demonstrate CI. Two obvious records folks refer to are Corrective and Preventive Action forms. Your either fixing or preventing problems, both forms of CI.

Other ways to demonstrate CI are through other CA or PA activities being performed. Advancing a product design or service through peer review, FMEAs, or re-engineering are also examples. Some of the things you will find will have formally controlled records, while other sources will be informally structured and collected (meeting minutes, emails, etc.).

What I generally see as being the true problem is this: folks haven't thought about what activities they already do that can be considered CI activities nor what records (objective evidence) they generate.

By spending some time thinking about this as a crossfunctional group in advance, you could create a matrix that can be published. When folks understand what activities are CI activities (in part or in full), then answering an auditor later in the future is easy. Additionally, you may be able to forgo having to use a specific form to fill out and retain as a record. This might please your management.

Regards,

Kevin

 

[bpritts]

Continuous Improvement

I agree with Kevin's comment - many people are doing improvements but
don't think of them as such and therefore don't record them.

2 other possible ways to record, in use at my clients:

A. One client added an item to their weekly management meeting minutes.
This lists a 1 sentence item for each improvement done. Usually there are
2 or 3 items a week, some take more than 1 week. Over a year there
will thus be a lot of evidence of CI.

B. For more sophisticated, get the Ford Motor Company QOS (Quality
Operating System) book. This has you measure your performance results
by month (PPM Defective, On time Delivery, or other measurements).
Then add a statement for every improvement or fix that will help that
measure.

QOS may be more paperwork than your people want to do, but it helps
to show the actual result of the improvements over time.

Best regards,

Brad