|
As
we develop the Kaizen Culture in the work place, more and more people become
enthused and engaged into producing new improvements. Practically there are
always more opportunities for improvement everywhere than hours we can devote to
implement them.
Improvements
must be focused on increasing the efficiency by means of changing the methods,
tools, materials, sequences, and other circumstantial components of the process.
A
good set of four rules to make sure we will succeed in the continuous improvement
process. Have them handy at all times. I even suggest that you
write them on a board that everyone has access to.
1.
Define the Improvement Proposal
Explain
as simply and clearly as possible what will be changed and what the advantages
would be. Have all the people who will intervene and benefit from the project
give their input, perhaps enhance or modify the concept of improvement. Even if
the whole improvement is changed by doing this, the value of the initiative is
what counts.
2.
Ask yourself and others if such improvement would in any way compromise:
a)
The quality of the product
It
is critical that we do not change negatively the customer-perceived features and
quality components of the product for the sake of the improvement.
b)
The safety of: People, Product, Plant and Business
No
improvement even if very important, justifies the putting at risk the people,
the product, the plant, or the Company as a whole.
3.
Analyze the cost in labor and materials the improvement would represent
Be
realistic and analyze the cost that implementing the improvement may generate.
Even if you are using materials you already have handy, their cost must be
included. Sometimes we can make a transitional model of lower cost to verify
sizes, shapes and characteristics of new parts, machines, tools, etc.
4.
Forecast the realistic Return on Investment
We
know the importance of making money out of every effort. So evaluate the results
in revenue and profit the improvement will generate. This way we can explain how
long will it take for the improvement investment to pay by itself. This ROI -
Return On Investment is vital for the Finances people and the health of
the business.
|
