Once you have worked through Define, Measure and Analyse, you can move on to Improve.
The aim of the Improve phase is to identify a solution to the problem the project addresses. Brainstorming helps generate ideas, solve problems, motivate people and develop teams. It is a group activity, but it is not random: it needs structure and brainstorming rules. The group is central to the process, which is led by a facilitator. Used properly, it is an excellent technique for improving processes and performance. To find solutions, it helps to understand where to focus and how long improvements usually take. This is where the Improvement Tree can help. It works as follows:
1- Once solutions have been identified, make sure they match what the customer values.
You need a thorough understanding of customers’ needs and wants, problems and concerns, to design a solution that meets their requirements and expectations. This helps ensure that customers accept and value the solution.
2- Make sure non-value-adding activities (NVA) have been identified.
Non-value-adding activities are not essential to producing a product or delivering a service and can be eliminated or reduced without affecting the quality of the final outcome. Identifying and eliminating NVA reduces the time and resources used in the process, improving efficiency and profitability.
3- Implement first-priority activities. These require minimal investment and are easy to put into practice (<6 months).
These are usually small improvements that can be implemented quickly and have an immediate effect on efficiency and the quality of the final outcome. They allow concrete, measurable process improvements to be achieved quickly.
4- Implement second-priority activities. These involve some planning and investment, but are generally completed within a year (<12 months).
These are more complex improvements that require greater investment of time and resources, but have a significant effect on efficiency and the quality of the final outcome. Implementation requires careful planning and sound resource management, while enabling substantial process improvements.
5- Implement third-priority activities. These require significant investment and generally take longer (>12 months). This page is a useful addition to your toolkit, for yourself, the people you support and those you influence.
These are deeper, more complex improvements that may involve significant changes to the process, organisation or technology. They require careful planning and management and often a substantial investment of time and resources. Successful implementation can transform the process and take efficiency and quality to a higher level.
The Improvement Tree is a valuable tool for identifying effective solutions, prioritising improvement activities and supporting successful implementation within a reasonable timeframe. By following its steps carefully and prioritising the right activities, concrete and measurable process improvements can be achieved, improving efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction.