Policy deployment is the process of cascading the strategic vision to projects at the department level, and ultimately, tasks for front-line workers. This adds structure to our efforts toward enterprise alignment, a key element in the Shingo Model, aimed at creating constancy of purpose. Establishing the right goals and effectively communicating them throughout the organization is critical to ensuring that everyone is working toward the same end result. This systemic approach links every employee’s work to the top-level strategy and drives a reciprocal relationship between parties up and down the value chain—from the plant floor to the senior management team.
Policy deployment starts with select, high-level goals that are critical to achieve in three to five years. Within the framework, managers focus their improvements around a year-long initiative and appropriate measures are selected to track improvement. Results are measured and linked directly back to the overarching strategies, ensuring alignment throughout the organization.
Process key performance indicators (KPIs) and improvement metrics are displayed for all to see. Problem solving and improvement efforts include cross-functional teams, so every employee has input, insight, and visibility into the improvements affecting their area. The use of traditional lean tools (value stream mapping, pull systems, 6S, set-up reduction, etc.) play a role in many instances, dovetailing into our overall operational excellence platform.