Skills shortages and staff retention are currently top challenges for most UK businesses and especially for manufacturers. A 2024 MAKEUK paper quotes that there are currently 69,000 live vacancies in UK manufacturing. The after-effects of Brexit and the pandemic along with an ageing workforce has resulted in many critical vacant roles taking months to fill. At the same time Industry 4.0, AI and accelerating technology changes mean that a skilled, engaged, and happy workforce is more important than ever. High quality relevant training has a vital role to play.  

Why train with Catalyst? 

Over the years, Catalyst has developed a comprehensive suite of training programmes providing critical skills for industry. We have renewed our family of Quality Tools courses for 2024 and upgraded our Lean Competency System accredited Lean offerings. We have seen that there is constant demand for our British Quality Foundation and Chartered Quality Institute accredited Lean Six Sigma programmes. 

Our courses are designed to equip staff with the practical skills they need to support their personal development and improve their businesses. Our trainers are highly experienced experts in their fields and are also guided by a deep understanding of what is needed to grow a culture of excellence in a business no matter where you are starting from. We have an impressive client list from across the manufacturing sector with fantastic delegate feedback – our average NPS (Net Promoter Score) is over 9.1 on a scale of 10. 

We regularly receive positive feedback from attendees: 

“Kirsty was amazing! Great learning technique and I’m really thinking about continuing with tests and courses, thank you Kirsty” 

–  Simon, Acushnet, Green Belt Training 

“Enjoyed the course. Found it really useful learning new techniques and tools to find a robust solution to a problem” 

 –Janette, The Hut Group, Root Cause Analysis  

As a specialist Continuous Improvement consultancy, we know the additional factors required to make training successful – ensuring buy-in from leaders, and that opportunities to put the new skills into practice are identified and sponsored appropriately, plus providing coaching support to the delegates afterwards – these are just some of the essentials. If you need advice or support in this area, we can help you. 

Course Overviews and Benefits 

We have an extensive course list, suitable for large or medium organisations and SMEs. 

Lean Courses 

Lean Foundations, Lean Practitioner, Advanced Lean Practitioner, Lean Master, Value Stream Mapping 

Eliminate waste and create flow in your processes. These practical courses engage with people whatever their stage on the path towards a Lean culture building confidence, autonomy, pride in achievements and business success. 

Lean Six Sigma 

White, Yellow, Green, Black and Master Black Belts 

Lean Six Sigma is the established data-driven breakthrough problem solving approach. It empowers people at all levels to work together to make a difference, delivering process improvements which impact customer satisfaction and business results. Our training programmes are hands-on, leaving participants eager to get started delivering improvements and further their own development and career satisfaction. 

Quality Tools 

Alongside these core methodologies we identified the need for a new specialised range of courses aimed at promoting excellence within the manufacturing sector. These have been developed and refined and are now offered within our new 2024 ‘Quality Tools’ portfolio: 

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) & Production Part Approval Process (PPAP):

• Ensures the development and delivery of products that meet customer expectations. 

Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA):  

• Aids in identifying potential design failures to enhance product reliability. 

Process FMEA:  

• Focuses on analysing manufacturing processes to mitigate risks before they impact product quality. 

Measurement System Analysis (MSA):  

• Ensures the accuracy and reliability of data used in quality control processes. 

Statistical Process Control (SPC):  

• Employs statistical methods to monitor and control manufacturing processes. 

8 Disciplines (8D) Problem Solving:  

• Provides a structured approach to identify, correct, and eliminate recurring problems. 

Root Cause Analysis (RCA):  

• Equips participants with the skills to determine the root cause of defects and prevent future occurrences. 

The practical benefits of these courses are numerous, empowering participants with the skills to improve process efficiency and product quality while providing opportunities for personal achievement and growth. 

Measurable Benefits 

The landscape of UK manufacturing is evolving rapidly, and success in this demanding environment needs a proactive approach to learning and development. To achieve the twin pillars in our Manufacturing ‘Revival Engine’  (Skills and Retention) how do manufacturers select and deploy the skills most appropriate to achieve success?  

The first step is to talk with Catalyst. 

We will guide leaders and managers to identify the problems and issues, select the most effective skills and the method of delivery to optimise the capability and motivation of your teams. Catalyst Consulting’s proven training courses are the foundations which will help you build this capability. 

By investing in these programs, companies can expect not only to navigate the complexities of today’s market but also to lay the foundation for tomorrow’s innovations through investing in their core asset – their people. 

To discover more please visit these links: 

• Lean more about our Lean training courses
• Read about our BQF certified Lean Six Sigma training
• New for 2024 our Quality Tools portfolio

The post Are Skills and Retention Manufacturing’s Revival Engine? appeared first on Catalyst Consulting.

 How can we encourage our people to take seriously the situations where mistakes have other consequences? Consequences associated with the other letters making up the SQCDP initialism? (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People), (or QCDSM, or other variations!)  

 Life Saving Rules for Quality could be used to specify these. Why rules for quality? Why not rules for cost, or delivery for example? Because quality is the best way to reduce cost, improve delivery and satisfy customers.  

 The Life Saving Rules for Quality could include…    

• Understand and champion the interests of customers and stakeholders.     

• Apply the concept of prevention. It typically costs ten times more to correct a problem than prevent it, and one thousand more if the problem escapes to a customer. Use your risk radar – Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is arguably the most powerful tool in the quality toolkit. Proactively identifying and mitigating for risk at the outset of a product or process design is an effective way to achieve Zero Defects. 

• Work collaboratively to design quality into your products and services multifunctional team working is essential. Structured approaches to design such as Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) can be effective to facilitate this. 

• Be “radically transparent” – always share information about failures. FAIL = First Attempt In Learning. 

• Always define quality in measurable terms. If we accept the definition that quality is about meeting requirements, we need to understand exactly what the requirements are in order to establish how well they are being met. 

• Understand your context, but don’t be constrained by or satisfied with “how we’ve always done it.” 

• Define the “current best way” and have everyone follow it (until a better way emerges). Standardisation is one of the best ways to make sure operational processes are reliable and consistent.  

• Understand the relationship between quality costs and the bottom line. Studies have shown that the cost of non-quality is typically 5 – 30% of gross sales.

• Assume the best in people. 

• Make sure your processes are robust. 

• Seek to make advocates of all stakeholders – sell it well so people understand the benefits and their own WIIFM. (What’s In It For Me?) 

What would appear on your list? What’s standing in your way when it comes to realising these rules? Join the discussion!  

Want to learn more about some of the quality disciplines mentioned here? See  Catalyst’s new 2024 ‘Quality Tools’ Services and Training courses. 

You’ll find these and other related pages interesting: 

• Our Quality Tools training programmes
• New for 2024: Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) training course
• Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis training
• Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis training

The post The Lifesaving Rules for Quality   appeared first on Catalyst Consulting.

Key Points at a Glance

• Growth in UK Manufacturing: Poised for a resurgence with technological and policy-driven advancements.
• Catalyst’s Role: Leveraging deep industry experience to drive innovation and operational excellence.
• 2024 Training Programs: Focused on practical applications for manufacturing sector challenges.
• Commitment to Improvement: Empowering change and continuous improvement in UK manufacturing.

Introduction

As we step into the first quarter of 2024, the landscape of UK manufacturing is witnessing a transformative shift. Recent reports, including a notable article from The Times, paint a picture of an industry on the cusp of resurgence. With manufacturing’s share in the national output poised for growth, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among industry leaders and stakeholders.

The Resurgence of UK Manufacturing

The Times article sheds light on a significant trend: the manufacturing sector, which saw its contribution to the GDP dwindle from 25% in the 1970s to 9.4% last year, is now gearing up for a robust comeback. Industry body MakeUK forecasts a rise to 15% of Britain’s GDP, signalling a new era of growth and innovation. This resurgence is fuelled by a confluence of factors – from a supportive policy environment in Westminster to the burgeoning opportunities in green economy transitions and advancements in AI and machine learning.

Catalyst’s Perspective

At Catalyst Consulting, our team boasts extensive experience across key sectors of British Manufacturing, including Automotive, Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Medical Devices. We are well-versed in the challenges faced by British manufacturers, from navigating global competition from emerging economies with lower production costs, to addressing skilled worker shortages and navigating complex compliance and regulatory landscapes

We recognise that the route to manufacturing excellence lies in harnessing the forefront of innovation and technological advancement, along with the creativity and experience of our workforce to deliver the high quality, reliable products  that your customers demand.

British manufacturers are recognising the importance of harnessing the true power of multi-functional teams to review ways of working, radically shortening new product development lead times with the application of Agile methods. They are building quality into new products from the very beginning with APQP (advanced product quality planning) and the Zero Defects toolkit. They are empowering continuous improvement in shopfloor efficiency through the application of lean thinking which optimises flow and relentlessly eliminates non-value-add operational losses.

Our engagements with industry leaders like Ricoh Europe and CooperVision (winners of the 2023 BQF award for Continuous Improvement) have not only been about implementing Lean Six Sigma principles. They have emphasised the benefits of instilling a culture where change is managed proactively, and problems are seen as opportunities for innovation. Our mission is always to deliver tangible results – whether it is through operational efficiency, quality enhancement, or building a mindset of continuous improvement.

The Road Ahead

The future of UK manufacturing is marked by dynamic change and promising opportunities. Success in this evolving landscape requires more than traditional skills; it necessitates a guiding partner adept in navigating modern industry complexities. Our proficiency in change management and problem-solving, complemented by our results-driven training programs, positions manufacturers to not only adapt but also excel in these changing times.

We know that the true measure of training’s success is its impact on the ground.

In 2024, Catalyst Consulting is proud to unveil our latest suite of new and updated training programs, meticulously tailored for the manufacturing sector. Our offerings range from Lean Foundations and Lean Six Sigma Deployment to Process Excellence, Operational Loss, and Waste Analysis. A highlight is our new suite of Core Quality courses including 8D, Design and Process FMEA, APQP & PPAP, and Root Cause Analysis, designed to enhance building quality into products from the start and support the drive for zero defects.

What sets our training apart is its focus on real-world applications and tangible results. We go beyond theoretical knowledge, emphasizing the translation of learning into actionable outcomes that resonate on the factory floor or production lines, and in strategic decision-making. Our hands-on, engaging approach is crafted to deliver practical skills, directly contributing to measurable improvements and a robust return on investment. This alignment with the actual challenges and opportunities in manufacturing, ensures that our training is not just informative but transformative, equipping professionals to excel in an evolving industrial landscape.

Let’s Go Together

The road ahead for UK manufacturing is filled with potential. At Catalyst Consulting, we eagerly anticipate contributing to this journey, providing insights, training, and services tailored to the sector’s needs. Keep an eye on our upcoming posts for deeper dives into specific themes and success stories, illustrating our role in transforming manufacturing challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Please share your thoughts on this topic on our social media platforms featuring this post (LinkedIn, Facebook, ‘X’ (Twitter) we would like to hear from you.

If you want to learn more about our 2024 Manufacturing training and services, and how they can assist your business, please visit these links:

https://www.catalystconsulting.co.uk/services/excellence/lean-foundations/

https://www.catalystconsulting.co.uk/services/excellence/lean-six-sigma-deployment/

https://www.catalystconsulting.co.uk/services/excellence/process-excellence/

https://lean-six-sigma.training/core-quality-tools

The post 2024 – The Year We MAKE THINGS Better: A New Chapter in UK Manufacturing appeared first on Catalyst Consulting.

The collaboration between the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and Catalyst Consulting is a fine example of collaborative partnership. Our combined effort, the “One IWA Programme,” sought to address the intricate challenges faced by the IWA community, aiming to bring about tangible, lasting change. This initiative has earned a nomination for the Learning in Excellence Awards this September.

The Essence of the One IWA Programme:

The programme was a meticulous endeavour to understand and address the challenges and opportunities faced by the IWA community. Through a series of online workshops, facilitators and experts were united, driven by a shared commitment to bring about meaningful change.

Tangible Benefits:

• Empowerment: Directly uplifting service users through enhanced processes.
• Efficiency: Streamlined operations, allowing the IWA team to focus on what truly matters.
• Collaboration: A team of facilitators emerged, each contributing their unique expertise and passion to the project.

Jo Dowdall’s Perspective:

For Catalyst Consultant Jo, this was an invigorating project. “Every process we refined, every efficiency we introduced, was a step towards a brighter future for the IWA community. Their dedication was a constant source of motivation.”

The IWA Narrative: Beyond the Surface

About IWA:

The Irish Wheelchair Association is more than an organisation; it is a community. Founded on the belief that everyone should be able to live a life of choice and equality, IWA supports over 20,000 members across Ireland. With 2,500 dedicated employees, 57 local community centres, and the backing of 2,000 volunteers, they provide services that empower people with physical disabilities to live independently, while also campaigning for equal rights and opportunities.

Catalyst’s Contribution:

Catalyst Consulting, respected for our expertise in strategic, operational, and assessment consultancy, brought a fresh perspective to the table. Our focus on business transformation, lean thinking, and process management was instrumental in helping IWA reshape its operational landscape. Together, we embarked on a journey to refine processes, foster collaboration, and pave the way for a technologically advanced future.

The Human Element:

Behind the numbers and processes were the stories of individuals. Jo shared the view “It’s a huge privilege to be working with an organisation so dedicated to its purpose. Each minute saved from a process, and each challenge removed from a team member will be turned it into magic”.

The Award Nomination: Insights and Outcomes

The Challenge:

IWA aimed to elevate their community’s experience. They faced fragmented information systems, intricate processes, and the challenge of standardising services across diverse regions.

The Solution:

The One IWA Programme was a transformative journey. It harmonised processes, introduced efficiencies, and ensured alignment with the community’s needs. The programme utilised continuous improvement tools and techniques, including process mapping and process challenge, raising awareness of the need for change within the organisation.

Measurable Outcomes:

• 10 facilitators trained.
• 37 workshops conducted.
• 39 processes meticulously reviewed and documented.
• 298 actionable improvements identified.
• Tangible time savings, bolstered efficiency, and enhanced service quality.

Conclusion:

The One IWA Programme is a testament to the benefits of genuine collaboration. By understanding challenges and opportunities at a grassroots level, fostering open communication, and focusing on tangible outcomes, the partnership between IWA and Catalyst Consulting has brought about real, lasting impact. The lessons learned from this partnership are clear: a deep understanding of challenges, combined with innovative solutions, leads to transformative results. As we anticipate the Learning in Excellence Awards, the programme stands as an example of how dedication and innovation can bring about positive change.

To discover more about the great work of Irish Wheelchair Association please go here:

https://www.iwa.ie/

We are proud to have partnered with IWA on this journey. If you have enjoyed reading this, and would like to learn more about working with us, please contact our CEO James Dwan jmd@catalystconsulting.co.uk for an initial conversation.

To grow yours and/or your organisation’s knowledge in this area, please find info on our Continuous Improvement training courses here https://lean-six-sigma.training/.

The post One IWA Programme: Collaboration, Change, and Real Impact appeared first on Catalyst Consulting.

Our CEO, James Dwan joined Matt Sims on “The Ever-So-Lean Podcast” for a journey into the dynamic world of Agile. Full of humour, powerful stories and thought-provoking analogies, the podcast provides memorable takeaways, plus ‘Aha!’ moments which will leave you chuckling while learning the wonders of Business Agility.

You’ll discover a host of techniques that business leaders and managers can apply at the coal face to kickstart transformational thinking and promote organisational agility, so prepare to meet HiPPOs (no, not the animal), attend ‘funeral parties’ for bad ideas, revive Lazarus Projects, and halt Lemming Marches.

Jump into the Audio:

The Deeper Dive:

Fostering A Culture of Joy and Curiosity

Every thriving organisation has something in common – a culture brimming with joy, curiosity, and a passion for change. Agile achieves this by encouraging a “play to win” mindset, empowering teams to embrace feedback, learning, and adaptability. It’s all about creating an environment where questioning the norm is as routine as morning coffee!

Agile Training for a New Mindset

Agile is less about altering practices and more about transforming thinking. The age-old “HiPPO” culture (where the Highest Paid Person’s Opinion rules) is passé; in the Agile world, everyone gets a voice. It’s a land of constant learning, testing, questioning and adaptation; a whole new mindset based on adapting with ongoing feedback…and guess what? It’s a lot more fun too!

Agile thrives on delivering value fast and frequently. It breaks work into bite-sized pieces, takes regular ‘pulse checks’, and invites customer feedback like an eager party host. The result? Teams that move like a well-choreographed dance ensemble, always in sync and ready for change – crucial for delivering value.

Decoding Agile

Say hello to Scrum, the poster child of Agile frameworks. Think of it as a trusty toolbox, packed with useful techniques such as product backlogs, daily standups, sprint planning, and more. It’s all about team alignment and continuous improvement. In Agile, you don’t just go with the flow – you learn to make it better! It empowers self-organizing teams instead of silos. Key roles in Scrum, such as the Scrum Master and Product Owner are reflections of this mindset, working together to win.

The Great Agile Transformation

Implementing Agile is like embarking on a grand voyage; a journey that calls for a change in the organizational DNA – from leadership to the factory floor. It’s not always smooth sailing, but the end result – a thriving, innovative, customer-centric organization – is worth every storm.

In Agile organisations, collaborative behaviour is rewarded, like asking questions, learning fast, and celebrating lessons. Agile companies thrive, revel in experimentation and fast feedback loops, turning failures into lessons, to build a navigation map for future journeys.

Making ‘DMAgIC’ with Agile & Lean!

Agile and Lean might seem like distant cousins, but together, they make ‘DMAgIC’! happen.

At Catalyst Consulting, when Lean 6 Sigma’s DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) meets Agile we call this “DMAgIC” – bringing additional layers of structure and problem-solving techniques to the flexible Agile mindset.

By combining the best of both worlds, organisations can build empowered, self-organising teams in constant pursuit of excellence. Respect for people, delivering value, and continuous improvement are paramount, while working towards a common goal.

Future-proof your Organisation – the Agile Journey

The Agile mindset isn’t just a trend; it’s a blueprint for building resilient, innovative, and adaptable organisations. As the world continues to evolve at breakneck speed, it’s the organisations that master adaptability which will be first ashore in the competitive destinations of the future – adaptability and innovation are essential navigation skills.

Agile and Continuous Improvement

Agile has a wealth of benefits for CEOs looking to boost innovation, for Managers eager to embrace and spearhead change, or Team Leaders hoping to cultivate an Agile mindset.

CEOs, Business Leaders, and C-Suite thinkers want to explore new directions and reduce the cost and time of organisational change. Team Leaders will reap the benefits of upgrading their own personal skills through recognised quality approved training and self-study. Continuous Improvement professionals can augment their skills, to add further value to their role.

Keen to start your Agile journey, use Lean to optimise existing systems, build individual or team skills through training, or just want a chat about change management?

Contact us [https://www.catalystconsulting.co.uk/contactus/], email us [info@catalystconsulting.co.uk], call us [+44 (0) 845 345 2282] or use our online chat [bottom right-hand corner of this page]

Right now, whatever your thoughts, you can wave your ‘DMAgIC’ wand, and tap into our passion for positive change here:

Agile Fundamentals: Begin your agile journey with our ICAgile accredited Fundamental training

https://lean-six-sigma.training/ic-agile-agile-fundamentals

Business Agility Foundations: Discover how to transform your business with the agile mindset with our ICAgile accredited Business Agility Foundations training

https://lean-six-sigma.training/ic-agile-business-agility-foundations

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt: Already an agile practitioner, or want to be more lean in your operations? Take a look at our BQF accredited Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Programme

https://lean-six-sigma.training/lean-six-sigma-green-belt

Business Black Belt: Become a continuous improvement sensei, skilled in both Lean and Agile techniques – enrol onto our Business Black Belt Programme

https://lean-six-sigma.training/business-black-belt

The post Embracing Agile: Key Takeaways from a Transformative Conversation appeared first on Catalyst Consulting.

Jan Otterbach | Vice President | Elavon

We started our journey to improving our ways of working and executing on our strategy better through greater Business Agility 18 months ago. Catalyst have been there for us all the way. It started with laying strong foundations for our launch with just the right coaching and training.

Even more appreciated, however, is the on-going support with coaching that we always get value and practical impulses from – even if it is just a short engagement around a specific topic. You truly embrace that there is no playbook or one right answer. You listen and provide practical pointers and tools that fit the context of our challenges and corporate culture.

James, Tamsin (and rest of the Catalyst team), we would not be where we are without you! Thank you for your support.

The post Elavon Europe Wins Top Award for Business Agility appeared first on Catalyst Consulting.

In Full: In a recent presentation, Matt shared insights into his journey, from working as a postman in the Royal Mail to becoming a distribution manager and now a successful Lean Master. He emphasised the importance of continuous improvement, adaptability, resilience, and inspiring others to embrace this approach to success in any field. Matt’s experiences have taught him that being a leader and earning people’s trust is more important than being a senior-level employee.

One of the key takeaways from Matt’s presentation was the need to tailor continuous improvement to different cultures and generations. It cannot be a “one size fits all” approach and requires a culture that is self-sustaining. Matt’s special tips include inspiring people by loving what you do, making continuous improvement a part of daily work, and creating advocates for continuous improvement. He believes in creating different and exciting learning programs to engage people, exploring unexplored areas and taking risks, and creating a safe space for people to fail and learn from their mistakes.

Matt emphasised the importance of continuous improvement and how it can be applied to any field to achieve success. His experiences have taught him the importance of adaptability, resilience, and creating a culture of self-sustaining continuous improvement. He believes that good management skills are essential to the success of any organization, and that trust is earned and not given.

As a charismatic Lean Master Matt has a track record of success in inspiring, leading, coaching, executing, developing, and sustaining continuous improvement cultures that deliver significant benefits in safety, quality, and cost.  Matt’s passion for continuous improvement is evident in his podcast, “The Ever-So-Lean Podcast” which serves as an ultimate guide to creating a culture of Lean Excellence. Matt shares his expertise and interviews inspiring guests who have embarked on their own development journeys; it is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning about Lean methodology and creating a culture of self-sustaining continuous improvement.

Matt Sims is a content creator and Lean Master with over 15 years of experience in Continuous Improvement. He hosts a podcast called “The Ever-So-Lean Podcast” that aims to inspire business owners and program managers to embrace Continuous Improvement. The Ever So Lean Podcast is Sponsored by Catalyst Consulting.

Discover more from Matt: https://ever-so-lean.podbean.com/

Start your team on their journey to continuous improvement with our LCS accredited Lean training programmes:

https://lean-six-sigma.training/lean-training

https://lean-six-sigma.training/lean-awareness

https://lean-six-sigma.training/lean-practitioner.

The post From Postman to Podcast Master: How Matt Sims Inspires a Culture of Lean Excellence appeared first on Catalyst Consulting.

If you want similar insights, join our LinkedIn group:    https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12784667/

Solving Business Problems with ChatGPT

The full version: [Guess who helped us write this article? – answer at the end^*]

Are you looking for a new tool to help with problem-solving in your business? Look no further than ChatGPT! The Catalyst team recently had the opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of Open AI’s technology for process improvement, at one of our client networking events, and let me tell you, it was a blast!

First off, let me say that this technology is bleeding edge and still being explored by us. We’re always excited to learn more about what it can do, and we’re constantly discovering new applications. That’s why we wanted to do a demo of the technology for you!

In this video presentation, you’ll see first-hand how ChatGPT can be used as a team member to help with process improvement in a fun and interactive way. The presenters will walk you through a pizza simulation case study, demonstrating how ChatGPT can be leveraged to identify and solve complex problems, generate insights, and enhance customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a business professional, a process improvement enthusiast, or just curious about the latest AI technology, this video is sure to provide you with valuable insights and inspiration. So, grab a slice of pizza and join us on this exciting journey of discovery and innovation!

Defining the Problem

The first step in process improvement is to define the problem, and we’ve got plenty of those! We gathered Post-it notes from a training session where we brainstormed issues related to the pizza simulation. We’re treating ChatGPT like a team member because that’s what it is – a language model capable of summarising text and refining its summaries based on feedback. ChatGPT can help speed up the process of analysing data, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

We asked ChatGPT to provide an elevator pitch for the project, and it did not disappoint. But of course, we asked it to make the pitch even more exciting, because why settle for anything less? It’s important to note that ChatGPT can make mistakes, and that’s okay. We treat it as a fallible member of the team, just like we would with any other team member. We even compared ChatGPT to a mathematician and a calculator – it’s a powerful tool that can augment human capabilities.

Problem Solving From Data

Our demo then moves on to a bigger part of the problem; we want ChatGPT to analyse the data it has heard so far. As ChatGPT started to analyse the data, it quickly identified the root cause of the problem: issues with sequencing and cooking that led to delayed and unfulfilled orders. Our team was amazed at how quickly ChatGPT was able to identify the issue, but we knew that we needed to validate the results before moving forward. We talked about the importance of testing solutions before implementing them, and how ChatGPT could help in this process.

One of the most exciting aspects of ChatGPT is its ability to analyse feedback and identify areas for continuous improvement. Our team discussed how we could use ChatGPT to monitor progress, identify trends and patterns, and even forecast future problems. We also demonstrated how ChatGPT can be used to help businesses identify potential risks and opportunities in their business models and provide advice on how to address them. ChatGPT can even generate hypotheses and suggest experiments to test them, helping businesses identify potential revenue streams and cost structures.

Problem Solved!

Overall, the team was impressed by the capabilities of ChatGPT and its potential to revolutionise the way we approach problem solving and process improvement. We talked about how ChatGPT can help define a problem, suggest data to collect, analyse data and provide observations and deductions, identify the dominant root cause of a problem, provide advice on implementing changes, and even be used for cutting-edge business experiments. If you are a Lean Six Sigma practitioner you will really appreciate this kind of approach.

In conclusion, ChatGPT is a powerful tool that has the potential to augment human capabilities in a variety of ways. In Catalyst we are continuing to explore its potential and discovering new ways to use it to improve processes and solve problems. We encourage all professionals and those interested in agile, lean six sigma, and business process improvement to watch our presentation video and join us in this exciting journey. We feel it is so important that we are already upgrading our training courses to build the application of AI into our programmes.

Learn More about Business Problem Solving with ChatGPT

If you enjoyed this video and want to learn more about how ChatGPT can help you with problem-solving and process improvement, then join our LinkedIn group. We regularly post updates, case studies, and discussions related to agile, business process improvement, lean six sigma, kaizen, and more. Click the link below to join:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12784667/

We also are planning to run a series of one day courses on how technology can enable  process improvement – please email us if you would like more details. info@catalystconsulting.co.uk

Thank you for watching, and we look forward to connecting with you on LinkedIn.

If you are interesting in learning more about any of the topics discussed here then please contact us at www.catalystconsulting.co.uk  or email us on info@catalystconsulting.co.uk .

^*This article was written by Martin Brenig-Jones with a lot of help from ChatGPT. Actually it would be more accurate to say this article was written by ChatGPT and then edited by Martin!

The post Revolutionising Business Process Improvement: Using ChatGPT as Your Secret Weapon appeared first on Catalyst Consulting.

Whatever the time of year, and wherever we are, Continuous Improvement is very much like a box of chocolates, and here’s why:

• There are lots of opportunities to choose from
• They are bite-sized
• They leave you wanting more
• People around you will want to get involved too
• There are plenty more in the box for next time

At the recent #ICIPS conference I showed a series of pictures of chocolate bars, ranging in size from a chocolate Freddo (18g of chocolate, costing around £0.35) to the hugest bar of Dairy Milk I’ve ever seen (a whopping 10kg of chocolate, on sale for £169.99). I asked the delegates about their appetite for each one. As the bars of chocolate grew in size, a few people admitted defeat (“that one’s too much”), a few expressed doubt (“I could give it a try, but…?”) and a small number remained bullish until the final giant chocolate bar was revealed (“yes, I could definitely handle that!”). Ah, the triumph of hope over experience! As lover of chocolate, I know how tempting it can be to overdo it, and this is exactly why Continuous Improvement is like a box of chocolates.

Imagine for a moment, eating that enormous bar of Dairy Milk. To begin with it might feel very exciting and enjoyable. You might feel like a bit of a hero! But after a while, it would stop being pleasurable. Tackling all of that would take considerable time. Would you really enjoy it all? Really? And after eating the whole lot would you be left wanting more? And would people around you see you doing it and still find you aspirational?! The same can be said for improvement projects. Bigger does not mean better. In fact, the side effects of eating too much chocolate, as listed on the Livestrong website, bear a remarkable resemblance to the effects of taking on too big an improvement project. They include insomnia, restlessness, shakiness, rapid or abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety and…caffeine dependency.

There are undoubtedly lots of big things for organisations to tackle if they’re to respond to changes, challenges and opportunities. But unless broken down into bite sized chunks these initiatives are intimidating and can seem insurmountable. While a mammoth sized opportunity will bring lots of benefits, it will take so much time that we won’t experience those benefits for a long, long while. It can leave people feeling and disillusioned and burnt out.

On the other side of the (chocolate) coin, lots of little bite-sized improvements can add up to something brilliant. They are satisfying, yet moreish. The enthusiasm they generate can be contagious. There are plenty of opportunities to choose from, and something in the box to suit everyone.

So let’s enjoy a Continuous Improvement chocolate, and another and then another! Remember to pick one you know you’ll enjoy, and never bite off more than you can chew. Let’s see something happen now – a bite sized improvement that will do some good. And then let’s keep going! This delicious habit is one you’ll want to keep up in the New Year.

We wish you a happy and peaceful holiday, with plenty of enjoyable treats.

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An example of a Moment of Truth when going on holiday might be a query you have about the seats assigned on the plane, which you ask about at the check-in desk. Can the query be addressed first time? If so, a good impression is created. But if the agent at check-in advises you to ask at the gate, and the gate attendant then recommends you discuss it with a member of the cabin crew…the Moment of Truth has been ruined.

The Moment of Truth concept has its roots in the airline industry – it was originated by Jan Carlzon, a business leader famous for transforming the fortunes of Scandinavian Airline Services (SAS). My own dogeared copy of his book “Moments of Truth”, printed in 1987, has the following words emblazoned on the cover: ‘Managing the dickens out of those unique, never-to-be-repeated opportunities to distinguish ourselves in a memorable fashion from each and every one of our competitors’. (That’s what book covers were like in the 1980s!)

A couple of recent conversations have prompted me to return to the book after several years. In addition to the concept of Moments of Truth, it is full of relevant insights on the actions and attitudes required by leaders if Moments of Truth are to be managed effectively.

Here are my takeaways on how to manage the dickens out of Moments of Truth the Jan Carlzon way…

• Orient towards your customers

Carlzon emphasized the importance of understanding, from the customer’s point of view, what business an organisation is really in. If you are oriented towards your customers, he argued, you are in the business of providing them with a service, not just the traditional “hardware”. So Scandinavian Airline Services began to focus on the experience of customers, not just on the operation of the aircraft. He went on to ask…

…Are Ford and General Motors in the automobile business? Or are they really in the business of providing people with the means to transport themselves from one place to another overland? If they decide they are in the automobile business, then naturally they should concentrate their efforts on state-of-the-art design and aerodynamics and fuel economy – on the car itself.

But let us say they decide they are in the ground transport services business. Should they sell only cars? Wouldn’t it also make sense – from the customer’s point of view – to sell a plastic card guaranteeing that a car would be made available to you immediately, wherever and whenever you want to drive somewhere?

A prescient point, made 20 years before the birth of Airbnb!

• Empowerment is essential

Carlzon describes his early leadership style as dictatorial – he assumed that he had been recruited to make all decisions, so insisted on making them. However, he realised that the decisions required “where the action is” – those that make a difference to the customer experience – are best made by the people on the front line of customer service. When problems arise, each employee should have the authority to analyse the situation, determine the appropriate action, and see to it that the action is carried out. Carlzon uses the analogy of a football game to make this point about the value of timely decision making:

…Imagine a situation in which a soccer player breaks away toward an open goal and suddenly abandons the ball to run back to the bench and ask the coach for an order to kick the ball into the goal. Before he can run back to the ball, he has lost not only the ball but also the game.

• Leadership and management structures and roles should change

Carlzon was adamant that traditional hierarchical tiers of responsibility are no good for an organisation seeking to establish customer orientation and the creation of positive Moments of Truth. For the example given above, where agents at check-in, departure and cabin crew were unable to address the query about seating, no-one had access to the information required to solve the query or the authority needed to take it on – and no one was prepared to step out of their normal role to address it. So normal roles needed to change. At SAS the role of manager was redefined from decision maker to coach. Instead of making decisions (or escalating decisions further into the organisational hierarchy) managers would enable and support their people to make decisions, thus unleashing creativity and transforming customer service.

• “They must know that they are allowed to make mistakes”

Big decisions were required to transform Scandinavian Airline Services, and significant risk was involved. Carlzon recognised that decision making (and risk taking) aptitude was required throughout the organisation to enable true customer orientation. He said:

If frontline employees are actually to make decisions that entail some risk, they must have a sense of security. Having knowledge and information is not enough if they believe that a wrong decision may cause them problems or even the loss of their job. They must know that they are allowed to make mistakes. Only then will they dare to use fully their new authority.

Leaders and Managers played an important role in creating the right environment for decision making and risk taking. Psychological safety – years before the term was introduced.

The Moment of Truth of returning to this book has been a positive one. Jan Carlzon blazed a trail in demonstrating the benefits of customer-oriented and employee-empowered ways of working. These approaches were considered bold in the 1980s, and today they’re still first class.

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