ABSTRACT
The true potential of implementing systems that drive behavior comes from defining the system components (or formalizing communication). The five required communication tools—standard work, reports, feedback, schedules, and improvement log—are the key components to designing and implementing systems. The five required tools connect all of the physical components together in order to accomplish the aim of the system. Standard work is written documentation of the best current way to complete a specific process. An example of standard work is the list of steps for correctly, precisely, and efficiently operating equipment. Good reports funnel exactly the right data to exactly the right person at the time it is needed to make good decisions. Feedback is personal communication regarding the work. Feedback can be spoken or written but it always occurs between people. The schedule of feedback within a system is so crucial that it warrants its own spot among the five communication tools.
