Online Essential Tools for Improvement Series

Online learning to help you achieve excellence

The Essential Tools for Improvement is an online learning collection which offers an effective and easy way to understand and learn the tools, techniques and principles of Lean Six Sigma and Business Improvement.

Each tool is explained in detail and key theories are illustrated using real-life scenarios. Users will learn:

How to flowchart a process - basics and advanced
How to construct a SIPOC
How to calculate DPMO and Process Sigma
How to standardise a process
How to mistake-proof a process
How to interpret a control chart
How to implement visual management*NEW!*
How to organise your workspace (5S)*NEW!*

Each module looks in-depth at a business improvement tool and lasts 25-30 minutes. The tools can be purchased as a complete collection. We can provide single-user licences or multi-person organisation licences.

Flowcharts – Basics & Advanced

A Scene from the Essential Tools for Improvement Collection - Flowcharts

By learning to understand processes quickly and easily, organisations are able to achieve long term success and understand how the work works. Both flowchart modules will help users learn about the purpose and use of flowcharts, including how to construct linear flowcharts. Users will practice what they learn by creating a linear flowchart from a case study and gain instant feedback on their technique.

SIPOC

A Scene from the Essential Tools for Improvement Collection - SIPOCS

SIPOC’s provide an overall summary of a process in addition to an initial view of the process performances. In this module, the user will learn how to construct the single page layout of the SIPOC diagram ensuring that the purpose is clear. Users are given guidance on the sections of the SIPOC and which are needed to be completed at the outset, along with the data that needs to be collected.

DPMO & Process Sigma

A Scene from the Essential Tools for Improvement Collection - DPMO Calculation

DPMO and Process Sigma can be used as an effective measure of performance; together the 2 measures can help not only to prioritise improvement projects but also to change mindsets of these involved in the project. In this module users learn the meaning and method of calculation “DPMO” and “Process Sigma” and how to interpret its significance to a process and wider organisational strategy.

Standardising a Process

A Scene from the Essential Tools for Improvement Collection - Standardisation

Ensuring an existing process is carried out consistently is critical to organisational performance and success. This module will teach users how to do that through understanding the concept of standardisation. Users will learn what standardisation is and why it is needed, the four rules of standardisation, and the four step method for standardising an existing process.

Mistake Proofing

A Scene from the Essential Tools for Improvement Collection - Mistake Proofing

In addition to standardising a process, it is also important to organisational performance that the standardised processes are mistake-proofed. This module will guide the user through the 4 types of mistake proofing including how and where the technique can be applied. Users will test their knowledge in a series of interactive exercises as well understanding the theory of mistake proofing as an effective tool in process improvement.

Control Chart Basics

A Scene from the Essential Tools for Improvement Collection - Control Chart Basics

Understanding variation and knowing how to respond appropriately can be critical to process performance. This module teaches users the purpose and use of control charts as well as the associated rules, learning phases and how to look at, interpret and calculate control limits. Users will learn about assignable causes and how to recognise these on a control chart.

Visual Management

This module explains how to set up and operate visual management to monitor the performance of a process so that appropriate action is taken quickly. Users will learn the visual display board; the enablers and barriers of visual management; and what is needed to sustain an effective visual management system.

5S Workspace Organisation

This module is about managing and organising your workspace. Users will how to use the 5S tool that helps remove disorganisation and distractions. Using 5S is also a great way for employees to get involved as a team, and to take pride in their workspace. 5S sets a solid foundation for in-depth business improvement activities. This module also includes access to our award winning 5S game.