ABSTRACT
Over time, processes become outdated and must be optimized. Those who execute processes are in the best position to identify and eliminate the waste, constraints and variation embedded in the processes. With committed leadership, a learning organization able to embrace changes has a better chance to survive attacks on critical processes when members have access to a structured problem-solving approach. This chapter describes a proven structured approach to process optimization with detailed descriptions of the methodology and a case study. This practical problem-solving model, used across the United States Air Force, consists of eight steps. The approach is simple, easy to execute, quick and it gets results time after time. The model can be accomplished in hours, days, weeks, or months, depending on the complexity of the problem and resources committed by leadership. In this chapter, the methodology is illustrated with practical techniques and tools commonly used in the steps. A case study involving reduced energy consumption on aircraft shelter lighting is presented to demonstrate how the model is applied. The advantages of adopting this approach and the lessons learned from application in numerous real-world projects is summarized.
