Pick the Right Process Quadrant
Classify process problems by variation and waste to choose the improvement strategy.
Waste Variation Low waste High waste Low variation High variation Standardize Low waste · High variation The flow is not bloated, but outputs differ. Use standard work, mistake-proofing, or capability analysis. Stabilize first High waste · High variation The process is both messy and inconsistent. Stabilize definitions and signals before broad redesign. Monitor Low waste · Low variation Do not invent a project. Monitor and protect the current method unless customer requirements change. Simplify flow High waste · Low variation The process is predictably clunky. Remove handoffs, queues, rekeying, and nonvalue-added steps.
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