Having studied W. Edwards Deming, I have been sensitized to the word “continual”
when it's an improvement. He served as a code for those who were true followers
of Dr. Deming. I always knew that it really understood philosophy and those
only sounded well.
Even
today, groups don’t know of the difference between continuous and continuous
improvement. I would like to describe "continuous improvement" as
always making improvements and progress: I've never seen this happen in the
long term. "Continual" improvement "implies that you sometimes
have to stop or even give a step or steps backward for an improvement -
improvement is discontinuous in nature."
Administration
does not understand the continuous improvement as its impatience only allows
them to embrace continuous improvement. Forward, the next quarter should always
be better than the last. Growth, no matter what the reality or the stupidity of
search.
Study
systems requires a work stoppage to understand underlying thought that dictates
the current performance. Strong understanding, experimenting with the method
can lead to improvement or knowledge of what does not work. For a scientist,
this is a victory as they come one step closer to the discovery.
The use of idea management software in lean
manufacturing environments can help maintain more an environment of continuous
improvement as opposed to continual improvement. Continual improvement implies
error have been made… and idea management software ensures your Kaizen are
properly managed and approved.
