Unified Continuous Improvement Platform for Enterprise Tool Standardization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Large enterprises face challenges in leveraging intellectual capital for continuous improvement due to a lack of standardization among various continuous improvement approaches, leading to confusion and inefficiencies in tool usage, which hinders innovation, quality, cost-effectiveness, and speed in product and service delivery.

Innovation Solution

A web-based system providing a centralized framework with a user-friendly interface that organizes and integrates multiple continuous improvement tools and methods into a single overarching approach, allowing employees to access and utilize the right tools through a predefined continuous improvement cycle model, accompanied by education and training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple continuous improvement tools are used across an enterprise without standardization, then employees have access to various improvement methods, but confusion arises as to which tools and methods are best to perform continuous improvement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to various improvement methodsVSAvoidconfusion in tool selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple continuous improvement tools and methods into a single integrated framework. The system consolidates various CI tools (Lean, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, etc.) into one unified platform that presents them through a common interface, allowing employees to access diverse improvement methods without the confusion of navigating multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal continuous improvement framework that can accommodate multiple different CI tools and methods within a single system. The framework is designed to be multi-functional, supporting various improvement approaches while providing consistent navigation, selection guidance, and integration across the enterprise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If continuous improvement tools are not integrated in a common framework, then each tool can be used independently, but personnel have a difficult time finding the right tool for the continuous improvement job

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent tool usageVSAvoiddifficulty in finding the right tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent continuous improvement tools into an integrated common framework. This framework maintains the functionality of individual tools while adding centralized navigation, search capabilities, and contextual guidance that help personnel easily locate and select the appropriate tool for their specific continuous improvement needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If subject matter experts are aligned by continuous improvement strategies, then specialized knowledge is available, but personnel generally have to call an expert resulting in possible delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecialized knowledge availabilityVSAvoiddelays in applying continuous improvement tools

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service continuous improvement framework where employees can independently access tools, methods, and guidance without needing to contact subject matter experts. The system provides built-in resources, step-by-step instructions, and contextual support that enable personnel to apply continuous improvement tools autonomously, significantly reducing delays while maintaining reliable application through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If training is driven by specific continuous improvement strategies, then employees receive targeted instruction, but the tools are not easily accessible by those that could benefit from use of the tool and associated methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeted training instructionVSAvoidaccessibility of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal access framework that makes continuous improvement tools and training available to all employees regardless of their specific role or department. The system provides a common interface and centralized repository where any employee can discover, access, and receive training on relevant continuous improvement tools and methods based on their needs rather than their position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9569738B2Methods and systems for deploying a navigation tool associated with a continuous improvement approach for an enterprise

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A computer-based method for accessing the various individual tools from multiple continuous improvement programs from a single user interface is described. The method includes generating a user interface with a plurality of selectable icons, each icon corresponding to a predefined continuous improvement (CI) cycle step, providing, upon receiving a user selection of one of the CI cycle steps, user selectable process steps to the user interface, providing, upon receiving a user selection of one of the process steps, user selectable tool choices to the user interface, and generating, upon receiving a user selection of one of the tool choices, at least one interactive user interface that provides at least one of an example of the tool choice and instructions relating to the use of the tool choice.