Continuous improvement process / CIP: What is it actually?

The term “continuous improvement process” - or CIP for short - describes measures for the continuous optimization of processes and procedures and therefore also of products and services. It is important to note that an existing process is not simply replaced by an optimized process. Instead, small, gradual improvements are implemented on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, CIP is never complete, but is constantly being continued.

Continuous improvement processes are a central component of quality management, ISO 9001 and lean management.

Incidentally, CIP is inspired by the Japanese Kaizen, which means “improvement for the better”. Behind this concept is a complete philosophy of work and life, which states that improvement is a never-ending task.

Implementing CIP: How to establish the continuous improvement process

CIP is not a project that you implement once in the next six months and then it's done. In order to establish a continuous improvement process, you need to make your management aware of it and ensure the commitment of all employees. CIP requires continuous teamwork. After all, four eyes see more than two and many problems simply cannot be solved single-handedly.

But how do you get to a CIP?

Step 1: Observe and analyze existing processes.

The starting point is, of course, your status quo, which you should scrutinize with targeted questions and analyses. What is the current state of your processes? How does the ACTUAL state differ from the TARGET state? What problems are occurring? What are the causes?

Step 2: Develop suggestions for improvement

Work with your colleagues to develop suggestions for improvements. It is important that you always work together with the people who are actively involved in the respective process. Find out together

• what solutions are available
• which of the possible solutions is the best
• which measures need to be taken for implementation

In most cases, you will probably end up with one of the following solutions. You can

• sort out
• tidy up
• standardize
• avoid
• simplify

Step 3: Present the proposals to stakeholders

Discuss the solutions you have found with those involved and affected and obtain their feedback.

Step 4: Implement the suggestions for improvement

Once all stakeholders are satisfied and practicable improvement approaches have been found, it's time to implement them. Clarify this: Who does what, when, with whom and what is needed for this?

Step 5: Reassessment of the adapted process

Once the new process has been established, continuity comes into play - after all, we are talking about continuous improvement processes, not one-off ones. Therefore, monitor the processes and observe closely whether the improvement is having the desired effect.

No? Then start again at step 1 and optimize the current process.

Yes? Then move on to the next (sub)process that can be optimized.

Our tip:

Take small steps. In other words, it is better to optimize many small processes at short intervals than to launch a major all-round attack. This way, measurable successes are achieved faster and with a much higher probability.

Methodology for implementing CIP

The basis for continuous improvement processes is the so-called PDCA cycle. This cycle consists of the phases “Plan” (P), “Do” (D), “Check” (C) and “Act” (A) and is repeated again and again.

Plan includes:

• recognizing potential for improvement
• assessing and analyzing the current situation
• developing suggestions for improvement

Do includes:

• implementing measures

Check includes:

• checking results

Act includes:

• monitoring improvements (audits)
• intervening in the event of problems
• and standardizing if successful

What are the advantages of a continuous improvement process (CIP)?

First and foremost, CIP naturally ensures that processes are constantly improving and running more smoothly. This in turn results in the long term in

• increased product quality
• increased process reliability
• improved service quality
• faster realization of improvements
• increased employee motivation and involvement

Example: CIP in production and assembly

The scenario:

Your employees have to manufacture a specific product. To do this, they need a range of documents, the relevant materials, tools and aids. They have to collect all of this before starting work.

The problem:

This opens up the potential for errors in many places. Are the documents up to date? Does the employee have complete and error-free materials available?

The solution:

As part of CIP, you have identified the current processes in assembly as a source of errors. The solution: In future, you will provide all the necessary information and tools directly at the workplace and support the process with digital work instructions, for example. The employee does not have to search for everything first and the system prevents errors from occurring during the processing of tasks.

Goals of CIP

Continuous improvement processes aim to optimize processes with a view to increasing customer satisfaction and ensuring your long-term competitiveness.

Processes that do not contribute to customer satisfaction must therefore be examined for waste. As a rule, however, all processes in the company are examined for optimization potential because, for example, increasing employee satisfaction is also an important goal of continuous improvement processes.

Fewer errors in production and assembly. More efficient processing of work orders. Greater employee satisfaction in their daily work. These are all aspects of CIP that you can promote and achieve with a digital worker guidance system.

You can experience what this can look like in our weasl system in our free showcase environment.