Continuous improvement Quote by Masaaki Imai
“It is impossible to improve any process until it is standardized. If the process is shifting from here to there, then any improvement will just be one more variation that is occasionally used and mostly ignored. One must standardize, and thus stabilize the process, before continuous improvement can be made.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Kaizen, 1986
Improvement requires a stable, standardized process; without it, changes become chaotic and ineffective.
In simple terms: Standardize before improving.
Key Takeaway
Stabilize process, then refine.
Themes
process improvement
standardization
continuous improvement
efficiency
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
business
educational
When to use this quote
- manufacturing lines
- software development
- customer service
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
kaizen
lean management
quality control
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance stability with innovation?
- What minimal standards are essential?
A Different Perspective
Standardization can stifle creativity if too rigid.
