Road Rescue Implements a Continuous Process Improvement Framework

Authors

John Olson, University of St Thomas - Saint PaulFollow
Paul Savory, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1999

Comments

J. Olson and P. Savory (1999), “Road Rescue Implements a Continuous Process Improvement Framework,” Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Volume 18, No. 2, pp. 152-155

Abstract

Continuous improvement programs traditionally focus on making small incremental improvements to a system. Unfortunately, their success can be limited due to the rapid changing environment within which most small companies operate. Improvement efforts should be flexible enough to capitalize on incremental and radical changes to a system. This paper presents a case analysis of how Road Rescue, an ambulance manufacturer, uses a continuous improvement framework to capitalize on both radical and incremental improvement opportunities. Results include a 10% increase in throughput, reduced cycle time of 44%, increased customer satisfaction, and higher quality.