Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement — Four Methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, BPR, Theory of Constraints)

CI Foundation

The use of Continuous Improvement (CI):

Increases operational capabilities
Reduces associated costs

…by applying proven methodologies to all processes associated with fulfilling the USAF mission.

CI Philosophy

CI is a comprehensive philosophy of operations built around the concepts that:

There are always ways a process can be improved to better meet mission/customer requirements
Organizations must constantly strive to make those improvements based on performance metrics that align to strategic objectives
Efficiencies should be replicated to the extent practical

CI Standing in USAF

CI Standing

CI is:

A hallmark of highly successful organizations
An Airmen Leadership Quality
Both a commander's responsibility (AFI 1-2, *Commander's Responsibilities*)
A major graded area in the Air Force Inspection System (AFI 90-201, *The Air Force Inspection System*)
A focal point within the Air Force Standards within Air Force Core Values 'Excellence in all we do' (AFI 1-1, *Air Force Standards*)

Four CI Methodologies

4 CI Methodologies

USAF CI incorporates aspects of four major methodologies to assist with organizational change. A practical problem-solving method may simultaneously draw from more than one of these CI processes:

Lean
Six Sigma
Business Process Reengineering
Theory of Constraints

Lean

Lean Definition

Lean is a methodology focused on:

Workflow
Customer value
Eliminating process waste

Lean Unique Focus

Lean is unique from traditional process improvement strategies in that the primary focus is on eliminating non-value-added activities.

Six Sigma

Six Sigma Definition

Six Sigma is a rigorous, data-driven methodology for process improvement focused on:

- Minimizing waste

…through identifying, controlling, and reducing process variation.

Business Process Reengineering (BPR)

BPR Definition

Business process reengineering is a comprehensive process requiring a change in the fundamental way business processes are performed.

BPR Eliminates

Business process reengineering identifies unnecessary activities and eliminates them wherever possible.

BPR Empowers Innovation

Business Process Reengineering allows great opportunity to empower Airmen to be innovative.

BPR Strategic Alignment

Airmen can strategically align and implement agile, innovative ideas into newly designed processes to give the DAF the competitive edge.

Theory of Constraints

Theory of Constraints Definition

Theory of Constraints is a systematic approach to optimize resource utilization by:

Identifying constraints
Exploiting constraints
Subordinating constraints
Elevating constraints
Reassessing constraints

…(bottlenecks) in the process.