What is Continuous Process Improvement (CPI)?
Continuous process improvement is the ongoing improvement of services or business processes using an incremental approach focused on continuously reviewing results and rapidly adopting new measures when necessary.
Why is DFA fostering a culture of CPI?
By prioritizing CPI, we are cultivating a collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to think innovatively in order to streamline processes, leading to increased efficiencies and ultimately better business outcomes. Continuous Process Improvement yields higher employee engagement levels and will enable units to gain efficiencies, which is critical due to the growing demands on our workforce. Additionally, this equips us to respond effectively to ongoing and emerging changes and opportunities, ensuring the long-term success of our organization.
How are we supporting a culture of CPI in DFA?
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Continuous process improvement is an essential part of DFA’s strategy. Embedded in our approach to operations is a deliberate emphasis on enhancing processes through the dual lenses of effectiveness and efficiency, which are among our divisional values. DFA Program Development and Execution (DFA-PDE) team supports all DFA units in their continuous process improvement efforts by making available tools, templates and trainings covering Lean Six Sigma, project management, and change management key concepts and topics. Additionally, DFA-PDE facilitates a centralized approach to continuous process improvement in DFA to ensure project alignment with divisional strategy, foster collaboration among units in cross-functional projects, and streamline the management of the various CPI projects and initiatives. If you have any questions about DFA’s approach to CPI, please email WithUForU@uci.edu. |
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Lean Six Sigma is a systematic approach to process improvement, combining two methodologies:
- Lean offers tools to remove waste in processes, increase speed, and improve process efficiency.
- Six Sigma offers tools to reduce defects and variation in processes, increase quality and accuracy, and improve process effectiveness.
Essential factors to contemplate when deciding whether to pursue improvement ideas are assessing their benefits, costs, feasibility, and risks, alongside defining the subsequent steps post-implementation. To aid in this process, use this tool, Evaluating Process Improvement Ideas, designed to assist in making informed choices about which improvement ideas to prioritize.
A3 (PDCA)
Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) is a methodology for continuous process improvement and provides guidance to managing and communicating process improvement projects. It is also referred to A3 since the template is typically printed on A3 size paper.
A3 Readiness Assessment
A tool to assess organizational preparedness to take on an improvement project, including goal alignment, management support, sponsor support, staff attitude to change, resource availability, previous organizational experience with improvements, etc.
Project management (PM) is the application of specific knowledge, skills, methods, and techniques to achieve project objectives within specified constraints, including timeline, budget, etc. It offers tools and templates to initiate, plan and execute projects, including managing scope, schedule, budget, risks, communications, etc.
Change management (CM) is an enabling framework for managing the people side of change and prepare, equip and support individuals so they can successfully adopt the changes. It offers approaches and tools to effectively deal with transitions, including strategies for effecting change and empowering people to adapt and thrive.