We begin by asking Google the ‘what is’ question. We received this answer:
“The continuous improvement process helps organizations by fostering innovation, increasing efficiency and productivity, enhancing product/service quality, boosting customer satisfaction, and empowering employees. By systematically identifying and addressing problems and opportunities, businesses can adapt to market changes, stay ahead of competitors, reduce costs, and build a culture of excellence and sustained growth.”
The Principles of Continuous Improvement
Let’s look into the aims and goals of the Continuous Improvement process, beginning with the quality of the services.
#1) The first goal is to reduce errors. How is that done? When an error occurs, we look into it to see why and how. When we know why and how, we make the necessary changes to ensure that error does not occur again. Reducing errors improves the quality of our services, and that’s the point. Continuous improvement equals = give our clients the highest possible quality of services.
#2) The second goal is to become as efficient and productive as possible. When there are means to increase efficiency and productivity with some investment and training, that opportunity is taken. Becoming increasingly efficient and productive is a benefit to both our clients and our employees.
#3) The third goal is to create greater client satisfaction. AMS is already very much focused on client services, and yet there is always room for improvement. The recommendation is to give thought to every client and anticipate their needs. By doing so, there may be improvements that come into view. The goal is a fully satisfied and successful client.
#4) Goal number four is to embrace innovation and be adaptable. Solutions come from innovative problem solving and new ideas bring about adaptability to changing conditions. Conditions will change… that is reality. When AMS is innovative and adaptable, opportunities leading to success can be the outcome of changing conditions.
#5) The fifth goal is to serve and respect our employees – our teams of associates who are providing services to our clients. Continuous Improvement involves listening to our associates – listening to their concerns and to their ideas on changes or improvements that could positively impact their job performance. Also, it is a goal to involve our associates in decision-making and undertake to fulfil their recommendations.
When Goals Become Outcomes
The next four goals are not only goals but outcomes of Continuous Improvement. A company that is keeping its focus on ways to improve will have very positive outcomes, well worth the focused effort.
#6 The sixth goal and outcome is… simply stated… a competitive advantage. Companies that focus on Continuous Improvement really see improvements in their operations that bring about the following: Very satisfied loyal clients, well-trained and happy associates who stay with the company for years, and appreciative communities where the company is located. Companies making comparisons between eCommerce fulfillment services will see that AMS has the competitive advantage.
#7 This goal is also an outcome of Continuous Improvement… cost reduction. When the second goal of improved efficiency and productivity is successful, the cost to the clients will be reduced and of course this leads to greater satisfaction as well as new clients and growth.
#8) When a company is doing what we mentioned in goal #1 – reducing errors – that company will see an outcome of problems solved. It’s called proactive problem solving. Proactive means being continuously on the lookout for challenges and for opportunities to handle the challenges before they become issues.
#9) Finally, Continuous Improvement leads to a company culture of excellence. We are very proud of our culture. Our associates know they are highly valued, both as persons and as helpers of our clients. The AMS culture is very strong and positive. We commit significant time and attention to employee safety, and we offer benefits that are truly beneficial. Do we dare say ours is a culture of excellence? Let’s put it this way… we are a company committed to Continuous Improvement.
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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.
