The five steps
- Baseline measurement of the relevant KPI
- Prioritise on the figures; a Pareto points out the biggest source of loss
- One targeted intervention at a time
- Prove the effect against the baseline measurement
- Lock it in with ongoing measurement
Example (illustrative)
Baseline measurement → Pareto points to changeover time as the biggest loss → SMED intervention → effect demonstrable against the baseline measurement → lock it in with continuous measurement.
Why it will not fizzle out this time
Many improvement programmes slip back because the measurement stops as soon as the project is finished, and the dashboard gathers dust. By continuing to measure, the improvement stays visible and defensible. VDS is the measurement layer throughout the programme; the improving itself stays yours.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you start an improvement programme?
With a reliable baseline measurement; without a starting point you cannot prove any effect.
How do you choose what to tackle first?
With a Pareto on the measured losses: the biggest source of loss first.
How do you stop an improvement from slipping back?
By continuing to measure after implementation and flagging deviations immediately.
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