Basic Information about Continuous Improvement at EPA

Continuous Improvement at EPA is currently being implemented by the Continuous Improvement Division. CID coordinates agencywide implementation of the continuous improvement program.

The continuous improvement program embraces the following elements: (1) Problem Solving, (2) Leader Behaviors, (3) Standard Work, (4) Business Reviews, (5) Cascading Measures, and (6) Visual Management. The system uses continuous improvement principles and tools, paired with routine monitoring, measurement and engagement to identify problems, solve problems, and sustain improvements.

We work with process teams across EPA to:

create and use visual management to identify and monitor progress toward targets,
assist teams with the development of metrics to help determine if organizations will meet long-term strategic goals,
introduce teams to problem-solving tools when targets and/or timeframes are not being met.
offer training and facilitations with a focus on utilizing continuous improvement in their organizations.

Teams are encouraged to have routine stand-up meetings, or huddles, around their visual management to monitor the status of work, identify issues, and escalate any issues that require management intervention. Teams are also encouraged to create standard work or SOPs, to ensure timely delivery, consistent quality, and improved predictability.

Senior leaders are engaging in continuous improvement by:

conducting Business Reviews to discuss organizational performance against monthly targets for key measures.
contributing to (and supporting) Executive Sponsored Improvement Projects.
supporting problem-solving when monthly targets are not achieved.
conducting leaderships reviews (virtual or in person) of visual management or metrics (Gemba walks).

Accomplishments

CID accomplishments include (but are not limited to):

Training over 80% of the agency on Lean and continuous improvement principles
Implementing over 14,000 employee ideas agencywide
Training over 400 EPA staff to guide process teams through the use of problem solving tools
Recognizing over 58 EPA teams with Process Improvement Awards for outstanding improvements to the agency’s operational processes