Continuous improvement is one of the most important concepts for improving quality. Continuous improvement has long been a key part of Japanese-style quality systems like the ones used by Toyota and Sony.

Based on these pre-ISO quality systems, the first step in improving quality is to standardize all company processes. Random processes yield random results so it is difficult to continuously improve random processes. Once the companies' processes have be standardized using ISO 9001 compliant procedures, the next step is to evaluate the processes and  use this information as feedback to improve the processes. This closed-loop system uses the feedback as input to the corrective and preventive actions system and the management review meetings. These 2 systems apply resources to fix the problems and improve the quality of the products, processes and even the quality of the quality system. 

For non-ISO 9001 certified companies, continuous improvement is still the key reducing cost, improving quality and improving the profitability of the company. If you only implement one concept from this website, it should be continuous improvement.


Detailed Information About Continuous Improvement Articles
Why Focus on Quality? ISO makes companies focus on their quality systems but they still need to focus on product and service quality.

Does ISO certification/compliance Improve Quality? Discussing the question: Does ISO 9001 certification improve quality? Read this article to understand why it may not be the silver bullet.

SCORE (The Path to Quality): Here is an introduction to a new concept in quality management based on the Toyota quality system.

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