3rd of 5 Articles in this series
Basic Process Improvement Teams describe an improvement structure that involves all stakeholders in the business.
BASIC PROCESS IMPROVEMENT teams Multi-Tiered Structure
To truly develop a culture of continuous improvement, Basic Process Improvement should eventually be adopted into all areas of the business. That leads to one common language used by everyone.
For maximum effectiveness, a cascading multiple team structure works best.
1. Activity Team (AT)
These are the front-line teams that directly work on the goods or services creation process (at the “Gemba”).
2. Process Team (PT)
This is a cross-process team that includes leaders from the Micro Team and representatives from internal supplier functions/departments. In manufacturing for example this could include maintenance, SHEQ, planning, procurement, etc. In an administration environment, this could include IS, procurement, etc.
3. Site Team (ST)
This is the team that leads a particular work environment or entity e.g. plant, service center, etc.
4. Management Team (MT)
This is the leadership team of a country, region, or global service.
BASIC PROCESS IMPROVEMENT Teams Objectives and Tasks
BASIC PROCESS IMPROVEMENT TEAMS: Activity Team (AT)
Teams meet daily for 10-15 minutes.
1. Update
- Focus Charts
- Daily targets (taking PT weekly targets into account)
2. Review and expand improvement opportunities and prioritize the day’s focus
3. Capture improvement opportunities on the Opportunity board
4. Undertake improvement opportunities (e.g. problems) at the “Gemba”
5. Escalate “out of scope” opportunities to the PT.
BASIC PROCESS IMPROVEMENT TEAMS: Process Team (PT)
Teams meet weekly for ~20 minutes.
1. Update
- Focus Charts
- Weekly targets (taking ST monthly targets into account)
- Review MT Focus Charts
2. Address AT escalated “out of scope” opportunities
3. Review and expand opportunities and prioritize the weeks focus
4. Review AT Innovation Boards and priorities actions.
5. Capture cross-functional improvement opportunities on the Opportunity board
6. Undertake cross-functional improvement opportunities
7. Escalate “out of scope” problems to the ST
8. Train and coach AT teams on BPI.
BASIC PROCESS IMPROVEMENT TEAMS: Site Team (ST)
Teams meet weekly for ~30 minutes.
1. Based on the key themes and objectives determined by the MT, the ST should develop measures and targets for the PT and AT. Focus charts should be created for each theme in each team.
2. Update
- Focus Charts
- Monthly targets
- Review PT Focus Charts
3. Address PT escalated “out of scope” opportunities
4. Review and expand improvement opportunities and prioritize the monthly focus
5. Review PT Innovation Boards and priorities actions.
6. Capture site “innovation” opportunities on the Opportunity board
7. Undertake site improvement opportunities
8. Escalate “out of scope” problems to the MT
9. Sponsor BPI at site and coach PT teams.
BASIC PROCESS IMPROVEMENT TEAMS: Management Team (MT)
Teams meet monthly for ~45 minutes.
1. Identify the business key themes and objectives e.g. safety, productivity, speed, quality, etc. This should drive the measures of Focus charts of all teams
2. Update
- Focus Charts
- Quarterly targets
- Review ST Focus Charts
3. Address ST escalated “out of scope” opportunities
4. Review and expand improvement opportunities uncovered and prioritize the quarter’s focus
5. Review ST Opportunity Boards and priorities actions.
6. Undertake business improvement opportunities
7. Sponsor BPI
BASIC PROCESS IMPROVEMENT TEAMS – Multi-Level Sessions
Monthly Alignment
On a monthly basis Leaders of the AT, PT and ST should convene a session to ensure alignment of activities to achieve objectives.
The agenda for these 30-minute sessions should include:
1. General Manager or Managing Director feedback regarding the previous monthly performance and the current challenges.
2. Presentation of outstanding performance improvements achieved by AT teams
3. Presentation of outstanding performance improvements achieved by PT and ST teams
4. Recognition of AT team of the month.
5. Objectives for next month.
Six Monthly & Annual Site-Wide
This session, which should involve all employees, is designed to celebrate successes by:
- Poster sessions showcasing AT, PT & ST A3s and Focus Charts
- Company wide feedback on performance and next periods objectives
- Celebrating by rewarding teams for achieving outstanding performance improvements awards
Click the related articles below to learn the steps of Basic Process Improvement:
Deploying Basic Project Improvement
Structured Implementation of Basic Project Management
Basic Process Improvement Teams
