---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is impossible to improve any process…"
description: "\"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 ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/494/masaaki-imai-29789_continuous-improveme_it-is-impossible-to-improve-any-process_1874879.jpg"
---

#  It is impossible to improve any process until it is…

![“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…” quote by Masaaki Imai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/494/masaaki-imai-29789_continuous-improveme_it-is-impossible-to-improve-any-process_1874879.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/494/masaaki-imai-29789_continuous-improveme_it-is-impossible-to-improve-any-process_1874879.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/494/masaaki-imai-29789_continuous-improveme_it-is-impossible-to-improve-any-process_1874879.jpg)

> “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.”

[Masaaki Imai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/masaaki-imai/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

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.

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