Continuous Improvement Projects

Overview

Continuous Improvement Projects help campus teams make high-impact changes by focusing on one process at a time. We apply Lean Six Sigma principles in both long-term projects and rapid one-day Kaizen workshops. Our structured, team-driven approach ensures that solutions are practical, sustainable, and owned by those doing the work.

The result is not only a more efficient process but also a cohesive team mindset for continuous improvement.

What We Offer

We partner with teams to tackle specific process pain points using Lean Six Sigma and other proven improvement methodologies.

End-to-End Improvement Projects

Full-cycle projects to analyze pain points, develop solutions, and implement sustainable process improvements.

Kaizen Workshops

Half-day to full day events designed to rapidly assess, redesign, and improve specific processes.

Lean Coaching & Mentorship

We provide coaching for teams leading their own continuous improvement projects—offering guidance on tools, data, and strategy to ensure progress.

Continuous Improvement Consulting

On-site assessments and planning to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.

What to Expect

Scoping the Challenge
Every continuous improvement effort begins with listening. OSI meets with your team to understand the pain points, what’s already been tried, and what success would look like—whether that’s reducing processing time, eliminating errors, or improving the staff experience.

Structured Problem Solving
For full CI projects, OSI typically follows the DMAIC approach: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control. We start by building a clear problem statement and aligning your team around goals. Then we dive into data—mapping the current process, gathering metrics, and pinpointing root causes. Through brainstorming and pilot testing, we co-develop practical, high-impact solutions with your team.

Fast-Paced Kaizens
If you choose a half-day or full day Kaizen event, we’ll quickly bring the right people together to map out the process, identify pain points, and design fixes on the spot. Kaizens are focused, fast-moving, and energizing—often delivering immediate improvements and team momentum.

Sustainable Results
OSI keeps the process engaging and organized, so your team stays on track and motivated. Expect tangible outcomes like hours saved, error rates reduced, or cycle times cut down. We also help set up documentation, process metrics, and follow-ups to ensure improvements stick.

Project Spotlight - Clearing the Bottleneck in Contract Approvals (IPPS)

The Challenge and Our Approach
Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions (IPPS), which manages purchasing and contracts, faced ongoing frustration with the contract signature process. Inconsistent rules across offices about who must sign and how to route documents caused confusion, delays, and occasional unauthorized signatures.

OSI was invited to help resolve these issues by facilitating a half-day Kaizen workshop with stakeholders from IPPS, Campus Counsel, and academic departments. During the workshop, the team mapped the process, identifying scattered policies, inconsistent workflows, and communication breakdowns. They quickly developed solutions: a consolidated authority matrix clarifying signing permissions, a simplified routing checklist, and plans for a centralized “Contracts Hub” online resource.

The Impact
After implementation, contract errors requiring re-signature dropped nearly to zero, and contract turnaround times improved by about two days on average. Workshop participants became process champions, fostering adherence to the new standards. This project highlights how OSI’s facilitation can swiftly simplify complex processes and deliver measurable improvements.

Connect with Us

Got a process that’s causing frustration? You don’t have to fix it alone. We can help scope the problem and find the right approach, be it a quick workshop or a deeper project.

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