Process Improvement (Micro)

Process Improvement is a philosophy (a culture) which constantly seeks to remove waste and improve every aspect of work. It encompasses many genres such as Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management etc. It generally happens at the micro level (single business unit, one process in the system) but follows a similar trajectory to project management (which is usually macro or system level).

Aug 2 2012

Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed (RACI)

A RACI chart is a type of responsibility assignment matrix which helps in stakeholder identification of roles and responsibilities. RACI charts help you ensure that every task has an owner and that they know they are…because if more than one person is accountable for a task…neither are. Think of RACI as a “buck stops here” tool.

RACI Definitions
RACI Definitions

To build a RACI chart follow these steps:

  • Identify the activities
  • Identify the functional roles
  • Assign the RACI codes
  • Identify any gaps or overlaps – for example, where there are two As or no Rs
  • Distribute the chart, incorporate feedback
  • Reach agreement with all involved stakeholders
  • Go forth and conquer!
Sample RACI Chart of a Project Initiation Phase



By • Process Improvement (Micro), Project Management (Macro), Tool Box •

Jun 11 2012

Value Stream Mapping (VSM)

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) originally came from the Toyota Production System (TPS) where it is known as “material and information flow mapping” and is the defacto current state mapping method for lean design (product and service based).

When to use it?

Use VSM for process mapping that is low variability AND high volume. In my experience it is the high volume that is the more important of the two. If you have low variability in a process but the volume is quite low the value from doing a VSM and Kaizen event is greatly diminished.

When NOT to use it?
  • In disjointed product development processes
  • Where there is no “product” to follow
  • Where there is high variety/low volume
Value Stream Mapping – Current State
    • Select a Product/Service Family
    • Form a Team
    • Understand Customer Demand
    • Map the Process Flow
    • Map the Material Flow
    • Map the Information Flow
    • Calculate Total Product Cycle Time
    • Detail Off-Line Activities
Sample VSM Data Box

By • Process Improvement (Micro), Tool Box •