Continuous improvement: what it is and what it means

Continuous improvement is the collective habit of regularly reviewing — in small steps — processes, tools and work practices, with the goal of reducing waste, reducing errors and increasing effectiveness. It has no end date: it is a recurring cycle, not a project with a closing date. The term predates and encompasses specific methods such as Kaizen and Lean.

Distinctive: recurring cycle, not a project
Distinctive: predates and encompasses specific methods
Essential: collective habit
Essential: small steps
Essential: reducing waste
Constant: has no end date
Constant: regularly reviewing

Glossary

Continuous improvement

The collective habit of reviewing processes, tools and work practices in small recurring steps to reduce waste and errors and increase effectiveness.