We all have learned the value of continuous improvement and appreciate the discipline of applying lean principles to map out existing processes and remove waste. But in some cases, companies stop too soon and fail to explore more innovative opportunities.
Not Simple, But Possible
While such a solution might sound simple after the fact of discovering it, don't underestimate the cognitive journey the team needs to undertake to reach such an understanding of the opportunities ahead of them.
But with the right tools and experience, it's possible to apply both lean and process innovation to not only realize the ideal innovation, but also to implement it.
Keep in mind: Ideas are the easy part -- making them a commercial success is where the challenge resides.
Take your time to re-visit your processes. Wherever on the improvement roadmap you are, always have the "ideal innovation" in front of you. And utilize all tools at your disposal to implement it within your next project.
This way, you will never be surprised by any of your competitors' moves and may even be able to beat them.
When innovation thinking meets lean thinking, indeed new horizons arise.
Dr. Phil Samuel is chief innovation officer for BMGI, a management-consulting firm specializing in performance excellence and innovation. With more than a decade of experience, Samuel also is the co-author of "Design for Lean Six Sigma: A Holistic Approach to Design and Innovation" and "The Innovator's Toolkit: 50+ Techniques for Predictable and Sustainable Organic Growth."
Dr. Michael Ohler is a principal with BMGI and a certified Lean Six Sigma black belt and innovation expert. He has more than 10 years of experience in project management, quality, financial controlling and continuous improvement.
