How do you standardize and sustain the improvements in the act phase?

1 Document the changes

The first step to standardize and sustain the improvements is to document the changes that you made to the process, the system, or the product. This means updating the standard operating procedures, the work instructions, the training materials, and any other relevant documents that reflect the new way of doing things. You should also communicate the changes to all the stakeholders, especially the people who are directly involved in or affected by the process. This will help them understand the rationale, the benefits, and the expectations of the improvements.

2 Train the staff

The second step to standardize and sustain the improvements is to train the staff on the changes that you made. This means ensuring that they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to perform the process according to the new standards. You should also provide feedback, coaching, and recognition to reinforce the desired behaviors and outcomes. You should also monitor and evaluate the staff's performance and adherence to the standards, and address any gaps or issues that may arise.

3 Audit the results

The third step to standardize and sustain the improvements is to audit the results that you achieved. This means measuring and tracking the key indicators that show whether the improvements are effective, efficient, and consistent. You should also compare the actual results with the expected results, and identify any deviations or variances that may indicate problems or opportunities for further improvement. You should also review and analyze the data and feedback that you collected, and look for trends, patterns, or root causes that may explain the results.

4 Review and adjust

The fourth step to standardize and sustain the improvements is to review and adjust the changes that you made. This means assessing whether the improvements are meeting your goals and objectives, and whether they are aligned with your vision and strategy. You should also consider whether there are any external or internal factors that may affect the sustainability of the improvements, such as changes in customer needs, market conditions, regulations, technology, or competition. You should also solicit and incorporate feedback and suggestions from the stakeholders, and look for ways to improve the process further or to replicate the improvements to other areas or processes.