The goal. A process of continuous improvement.

"The Goal" A continuous improvement process

The book "La Meta" is a book whose main focus is to publicize the continuous improvement process within organizations. Continuous improvement within companies is one of the fundamental requirements to maintain high levels of competitiveness.

The book "The Goal" clearly shows what are the basic elements of this process. Always when a manager or a plant boss is asked what is the most basic thing to continue growing and improving as a company, the safest thing is that he mentions that you have to work on improving processes, buying a new machine to increase productivity, etc. But are these types of outings the most effective? As mentioned in the book to which we are referring, it is not always like this. Below are the elementary steps to continuously improve the processes of a company.

1.- Detect bottlenecks in the process map: In this initial stage, all those processes and sub-processes that are hindering the continuous flow must be identified. These points are called bottlenecks.

2.- Subordinate the processes to the process or sub-process that produces the bottleneck: In this stage it is about reducing inventory. It is important to highlight this factor since generally when a process is improved an overstock of inputs is generated since the quantity produced exceeds the bottleneck. Therefore all production is subordinated to the bottleneck, although other processes are more productive. This will prevent an increase in inventory and associated costs.

3.- Sacrifice all resources to eliminate the bottleneck. Yes, in this phase all efforts should be concentrated on eliminating the bottleneck.

4.- Search for new bottlenecks. In this final stage of the continuous improvement process, new bottlenecks are sought. In this way, processes within a company continue to be perfected and improved. The safest thing is that when eliminating a bottleneck many more appear within the processes. This attitude is the essence of the continuous improvement process, which has no end since there will always be something to improve.

By following this methodology, admirable levels of excellence can be reached, as well as other benefits such as the option of being certified in ISO 9001, among others.