Continuous Improvement Proposal Template
v2.0
Purpose. Used by any worker or team to propose an improvement to safety, quality, cost, delivery or workplace layout and to record the trial and its result.
1.Why we use a standard proposal
Improvement ideas are only useful if they are captured, tested and measured. The proposal gives every idea the same fair hearing, records the current state and the expected benefit, and makes sure the change is trialled and confirmed before it becomes the standard.
2.Describing the current state
Describe the problem or waste as it is today with data: minutes per build, metres walked, defects per week, rework hours or near misses. A photograph or a simple sketch of the area helps. State who is affected and how often it happens.
3.The proposal
Describe the change in plain words and what it will cost in time, materials or equipment. State the expected benefit in the same measure as the current state so the two can be compared. Identify any safety, quality or compliance implication and how it will be checked.
4.Trial and measurement
Agree a trial period with the supervisor, usually two to four weeks. Measure the same things before and after. Record what worked, what did not and what the crew thinks. A trial that fails is still useful and must be recorded honestly.
5.Standardise
If the trial succeeds, update the work instruction, the layout drawing or the equipment list so the change becomes the standard, and brief every crew affected through a toolbox talk. Record the completion on the proposal.
6.Recognition
Adopted proposals are reported at the monthly management meeting and the originators are recognised. The best proposal each quarter is presented to the whole site.