Operational Excellence, Incremental Improvement and 'Breakthrough' Improvement all denote the process of continually improving a business process over time. However, whilst these terms are certainly connected, Continuous Improvement is a key concept, deserving a definition in its own right.
There is undoubtedly a clear connection between Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement - however, Operational Excellence is arguably a far more specific and definable term. Continuous Improvement more widely marks the process of persistently seeking to improve business process, products and practises. Where 'Operational Excellence' is a target state to attain through various practises, Continuous Improvement refers more to the ongoing journey of improvement. This can take place in a slower form known as 'Incremental Improvement', or be undertaken all at once in a method known as 'Breakthrough Improvement'.
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However, the methodology and principle of Continuous Improvement is undoubtedly absolutely crucial to any Operational Excellence program. Without a company culture that promotes Continuous improvement, an Operational Excellence Program is unable to embed itself in the long-term across any organization.
Take a look below for video presentations, white papers and more on how to begin, improve and sustain your organizations Continuous Improvement journey.
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8 Principles to Achieve Operational ExcellenceKevin Duggan, The Institute for Operational Excellence The Connection between Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence, and core principles to employ on all Operational Excellence Journeys |
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The Dis-Continuous Improvement JourneyLarry Fast, Founder & President, Pathways to Manufacturing Excellence LLC BTOES17 Slide Deck |
WATCH NOW: Kevin Duggan, Founder of the Institute for Operational Excellence, gives us his best definition of Operational Excellence & Operational Excellence Strategy.
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To get an idea of the role of Continuous Improvement Operational Excellence, take a look at our FREE 6 in 1 report series, 'Operational Excellence: Snapshots', featuring the thoughts of 150+ Operational Excellence Professionals, and targeting the most pressing issues in the ecosystem. |
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