A COLLABORATIVE TEAM EFFORT

All major process improvement projects are managed using the Project Lifecycle, which is based on Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lean Six Sigma is a combination of two popular continuous improvement methods —Lean and Six Sigma— that pave the way for operational excellence. These time-tested approaches provide organizations with a clear path to achieving their missions as fast and efficiently as possible (to learn more, please visit our Resources Page).

Our team will work closely with your department/division to help you identify any pain points within a process and suggest potential improvements and solutions. We strive to work with the individuals involved in or impacted by the process first and gain a full understanding of the issues surrounding an existing process. This is an important part of our work as it allows us to see the obvious issues, as well as, any underlying ones.  The involvement of users and the projects sponsor/champion is an important part of any succecessful project. 

Using our Project Request Form, we gather information about your request to gain a full understanding of the issues surrounding an existing process. All submitted projects will progress through our review process. Approved projects will continue to the Project Lifecycle, with a focus on process improvement and efficiency. As part of the improvement process, we incorporate change management practices. Change management focuses on the people side of the changed process. By making organizational change management a focus of our projects, we are ensuring that projects are accepted, endorsed and used by the people in the process.

WHAT IS A PROJECT?

A project is one-time work that leads to either a new process, a new technological solution or a changed process. Projects have a set start and completion time. Examples are the digitization of a paper process, performing an evaluation of a current process, or introducing a new software system. This is to distinguish from work that is not project-based, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades and patches for existing systems. 

To submit a project for review, please access our Project Intake Form.

PROJECT LIFECYCLE

All approved projects will progress through Lean Six Sigma project management stages, Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. Lean Six Sigma provides a systematic approach and a combined toolkit to help employees build their problem-solving muscles. Both Lean and Six Sigma are based on the Scientific Method and together they support organizations looking to build a problem-solving culture. This means that “finding a better way” becomes a daily habit. More on Lean Six Sigma can be found on our Resources page. 

Define: 

This stage starts with a Kick-off meeting with the requester, process owner and sponsor/champion. At this meeting we will begin our work on the Project Charter, Mapping the Process and building the Project Team. More information about potential team member roles can be found on the Roles and Responsibilities page.

Measure: 

If possible, we will quantify the problem using data to create a baseline for improvement. The data will help us determine process performance and to look toward potential targets.

Analyze: 

Team members will begin analyzing problem to find the root cause of the problem. We will use analysis tools to reveal pain points in the process and use the widsom of team members and subject matter experts to isolate areas of improvement.

Improve: 

Team members will brainstorm, assess, test and implement the identified solution. As a team we will brainstorm ideas to address the root cause and make a selection that will provide the most impact for the least cost or effort.

Control: 

Once a solution is found, the project is not complete. Our goal is to continue the conversation around improvement even after the implementation. During this phase we will check in with the project team members to ensure the implemented solution is managed and monitored.