Building self-sustaining capability
Every engagement follows a structured four-phase approach. No guesswork, no wasted days. Clear phases, clear outputs, clear accountability.
Assessment
A full diagnostic of your current state. We go to the Gemba, observe your processes, talk to your people, and review your data. No assumptions — just evidence-based findings and a clear picture of where you stand.
- Gemba walks and process observation
- Operational data review and analysis
- Stakeholder interviews (operators through to executives)
- CI maturity assessment
- Waste identification and opportunity mapping
Deliverables
- Assessment report with current-state analysis
- Prioritised recommendations ranked by impact
- CI maturity score with benchmark comparison
- Quick-win identification (immediate actions)
- Recommended engagement roadmap
Define
Scope the improvement work, align all stakeholders, and set clear target conditions. This is where we turn assessment findings into a focused, chartered improvement project with measurable success criteria.
- Project scoping and boundary setting
- Stakeholder alignment sessions
- Target condition definition
- Success metrics and KPI selection
- Resource planning and timeline development
Deliverables
- Project charter with clear scope and boundaries
- A3 backbone (problem, analysis, target, plan)
- Stakeholder RACI matrix
- Success criteria and measurement plan
- 90-day implementation timeline
Implementation
This is where the improvement happens. We work alongside your team to map value streams, identify root causes, design countermeasures, run PDCA pilots, and establish standard work. Every step follows the 5D method.
- Value stream mapping (current and future state)
- Root cause analysis (5-Why, fishbone, A3)
- Countermeasure design and prioritisation
- PDCA pilot cycles with rapid iteration
- Standard work documentation
- Visual management system design and installation
Deliverables
- Measurable improvement against target KPIs
- Documented standard work procedures
- Visual management boards (SQDC, KPI, action)
- Trained team members with hands-on experience
- Completed A3 report with results documentation
Coaching
Coaching is not a phase that ends. It runs throughout every engagement, from the first assessment day to the final handover. The goal is always independence — building your people so they can sustain and extend the improvements without external support.
- 1:1 coaching for CI practitioners and team leaders
- Group facilitation and problem-solving sessions
- Leader standard work development
- Capability transfer and skills assessment
- Executive coaching on CI leadership behaviours
Outcomes
- Internal CI capability that operates independently
- Self-sustaining improvement culture
- Leaders who coach (not just manage)
- Problem-solving as a daily habit, not a project
- Reduced dependency on external consultants
The methodology behind every project
Our implementation phase follows the Stormholt 5D method. Five disciplines that turn complex problems into sustainable solutions.
Define
Frame the problem. Set the scope, identify stakeholders, and establish what success looks like.
Diagnose
Understand root causes. Go to the Gemba, gather data, and build an evidence-based picture of the problem.
Design
Develop countermeasures. Prioritise solutions, plan PDCA experiments, and prepare for implementation.
Deploy
Execute and iterate. Run pilots, validate results, standardise what works, and scale across the operation.
Develop
Build capability. Transfer skills, coach teams, establish routines, and create a self-improving organisation.
Every engagement starts with an assessment
1-2 days, no commitment beyond that. We will tell you what we find and you decide what happens next.