The process of becoming Lean is a rewarding journey for companies that want to dramatically impact their customer focus, increase profits, and build a culture of continuous improvement. The continuous improvement process takes place in daily steps as management systems are rebuilt and work habits are changed. Periodic Assessments support the change process, reinforce new habits, and maximize improvements in the shortest time while minimizing risk.

The elements of a successful Lean journey regimen are similar:

• Internal examination and assessment
• Defined business objectives and goals
• Right capitalization plan
• Right type, frequency, and intensity of improvement activity
• Right work and management habits

We will use indicators of success such as financial health, customer satisfaction, and profitable growth to measure progress and guide future actions and adjustments in client's transformation efforts. Our collective goal is to avoid the risk of failure that can be caused by misplaced priorities; wasted time and effort; waning motivation and organizational misalignment.

LVSI consultants conduct assessments involving site leadership quarterly during the first year; semi-annually thereafter. This is usually conducted midweek during a Rapid Improvement Event.

Assessments are a:

• Progress Check
• Course Correction
  
• Results and plans focused activity
• Teaching and Learning Opportunity

We are assessing Lean deployment and results. Jointly with LVSI guidance, client management review how deeply they are engaged in the transformation; how fast they are implementing "lean"; how many internal experts they have developed; and the maturity level of flow cells and facilities. Together we assess results at the cell, value stream or facility and enterprise levels. These assessments provide feedback and structure to the transformation process.