The Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. It’s a six-step systematic approach to plan, sequence, and implement improvement efforts using data and elaborates on the Shewhart Cycle (Plan, Do, Study Act). The CIP provides a common language and methodology which enables understanding of the improvement process. The CIP always links back to each organization’s own goals and priorities.

Definition: Continuous improvement is the act of continually looking to improve upon a process, product, or service through small incremental steps.

Why Use a Continuous Improvement Process (CIP)

Implementing a Continuous Improvement Process in an organization should be standard practice now. Studies have shown the main benefits of a CIP are:

• Increase productivity
• Better teamwork and morale
• Greater agility
• Less waste
• More efficiency
• Increase customer satisfaction
• Increase in profit

Phases of the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP)

There are four phases associated with the CIP. These phases are associated with the Shewhart Cycle:

• Phase 1 “Plan”: Plan for change and identify improvement opportunities.
• Phase 2 “Do”: Implement changes identified.
• Phase 3 “Study”: Check to determine if the change had the desired outcome.
• Phase 4 “Act”: If successful, implement it across the organization and process.

Continuous Improvement Process Tutorial

The Six (6) Steps of the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP)

• Step 1: Identify Improvement Opportunity: Select the appropriate process for improvement.
  • Evaluate Process:
  • Select a challenge/problem
• Step 2: Analyze: Identify and verify the root cause(s).
• Step 3: Take Action: Plan and implement actions that correct the root cause(s).
• Step 4: Study Results: Confirm the actions taken to achieve the target.
• Step 5: Standardize Solution: Ensure the improved level of performance is maintained.
• Step 6: Plan for the Future:
  • Plan what is to be done with any remaining problems
  • Evaluate the team’s effectiveness Set a target for improvement

The Best Time to Start a Continuous Improvement Process (CIP)

There is no bad time to start using a continuous improvement process but the sooner the better. Below is a list of the times I believe a CIP should be implemented:

• Beginning of a new project
• Development of processes and procedures
• Developing a new or improved product, or service
• Planning data collection and analysis
• Implementing any change to a process
• Whenever a failure occurs

Tools that can be used to help with the Continual Improvement Process (CIP) are:

• Benchmarking
• Force Field Analysis
• Flowcharts
• Affinity Diagram
• Delphi Technique
• Pareto Chart
• Cause and Effect Diagram
• Scatter Diagram
• Check Sheet
• Control Chart
• Process Capability Index and Ratio
• ISO 14000

Other Methods of Continuous Improvement

There are other methods for continuous improvement. A few of these methods are Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Total Quality Management (TQM). Each of these methods helps program personnel improve products, services, or processes by reducing variation, defects, and cycle times.

AcqLinks and References:

• [1] Defense AT&L: Continuous Process Improvement within the DoD by David Pearson July 2007
• DoD Directive 5010.42 “DoD-Wide Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) Lean Six Sigma (LSS)” – 15 May 2008
• Air Force Instruction 38-401 “Continuous Improvement Process” – Aug 2019
• Manual: DCMA Manual 4502-05 Continuous Process Improvement – Dec 2020
• Website: DoD Chief Management Office: Continuous Improvement Process

Updated: 6/23/2023

Rank: G4