Solving chronic problems for Quality Improvement is basically a journey from Symptom to Cause to Remedy. The diagnostic journey from symptom to cause requires application of Quality Improvement Tools in multiple combinations. The remedial journey, on the other hand, can benefit from using some Creativity Tools. The popular structured methodologies for Quality Improvement are:
- Juran on Quality Improvement
- Six Sigma
- Lean Six Sigma
- Theory of Constraints
- Kaizen
- Other
The results from Quality Improvement are tangible and intangible.
The tangible results are:
- Reduction in customer dissatisfaction
- Reduction in waste embedded in processes
- Reduction in inventory incoming, WIP, finished goods
- Reduction in cycle time of processes
- Reduction in warranty / guarantee costs
- Overall, reduction in Cost Of Poor Quality (COPQ).
The intangible results are:
- Improved cross-functional communication
- Improved motivation of the workforce
- Dilution of resistance to change
In summary, customers require goods and services Faster, Better, Cheaper. This demands Continuous Quality Improvement, in manufacturing, services, healthcare, and education.
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