ABSTRACT
Continuous improvement is measured in terms of producing things better, faster, and cheaper, and being more agile. This chapter begins by discussing continuous improvement and what it means to be continuous. A premise of continuous improvement is that processes and products can be improved without limit. The chapter also discusses the role of frontline employees in improvement efforts, and different improvement approaches such as plan–do–check–act (PDCA), value analysis, kaizen projects, and value stream mapping (VSM). The PDCA improvement cycle is embedded throughout lean production systems. Value analysis typically involves five steps: information gathering, analysis, creation, evaluation, and implementation. Although the VSM is best developed and updated using paper and pencil, the electronic copy provided a speedy way for team members to continuously review and communicate ideas about the process. The chapter concludes with a review of the several basic problem-solving and analysis tools.
