About Improve!

Some History and a Little About Us...
Process Improvement History

15,000 Years of Experience

Since the dawn of civilization on Earth, we have always been continually developing new processes (and creating new process challenges from unintended consequences). That's what we humans do!

However in the past 120 years of our modern world, the pace of change has quickened; so too has the pace of challenges that result when our processes do not live up to expectations.

What is a Process (and why do we care)?

  • A Process is simply a series of steps or actions that must be completed in order to accomplish an outcome that provides Value to a Customer.
  • Customers define what they value.
  • Processes exist everywhere in our lives and in our work. From the DMV to the dentist, from faculty to the farm, from the office to the home, we create them; we use them; we receive value from them.
  • Suppliers use processes to provide those values that fulfill the wants of their Customers.
  • Depending on the situation, we are all Suppliers, and we are all Customers.
  • Unfortunately, not all process steps add Value for their Customers. Nearly all processes include actions that are inefficient or in some cases downright unnecessary…in other words, WASTEFUL!
  • Fortunately, there are systematic methods to eliminate these wastes and improve processes for the benefit of Suppliers who use them, and Customers who receive Value from them.

    • These methods can be applied in any business, organization or even a home.
    • More importantly these methods can be taught, so improvement becomes a way of life, and not a one hit wonder.
    Who We Are
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     is Process Improvement Expertise  led by Chris Redgrave to assist organizations solve process challenges and enhance their success through the techniques of Continuous Improvement.

    We use methodologies primarily drawn from Lean Thinking, a philosophy that evolved from the Toyota Production System, the teachings of W. Edwards Deming, and before that, the early pioneers of Industrial Engineering in the early 20th century.

    However, we also draw inspiration and techniques from other problem solving disciplines as necessary. Ultimately we strive to blend our knowledge with the need of our clients to provide the solutions they need.

    Thought Leadership

    One area we are particularly excited about is the re-purposing of Agile Techniques back into Lean. We are actively developing these processes for use by clients.

    Agile was originally a branch of Lean Practices, and is  most often associated with rapid software development. However, we believe some of the techniques used within Agile such as User Stories have direct application in more traditional lean practices ranging from Quality Function Deployment to A3 Structured Problem Solving.

    We are excited about bring these new ideas to our clients as part of our own Continuous Improvement journey.

    About Chris Redgrave, CIO (Chief Improvement Officer)

    In a career spanning more than 30 years, Chris Redgrave has always been involved in some aspect of continuous improvement. He has worked a number of fields including automotive, aerospace, education, and even legal administration.  In the last dozen years, he has worked in executive management roles including  as a director, VP, and C.O.O. 

    With a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management, he is an skilled professional in the fields of:

    • Industrial Engineering
    • Manufacturing Process Development 
    • Program Management
    • Lean Practices and Continuous Improvement
    • Management Training and Mentoring

    Through , Chris now shares his wealth of experience with clients nationwide.

    Problem Solver- He can work as a troubleshooter to identify root causes and implement specific solutions to resolve process issues.

    Manufacturing Process Development expertise- Chris has been involved in numerous process design projects involving welding, machining, robotics, composites, automated assembly systems and material handling. He has experience in analysis and selection of ERP systems. Chris can provide systems analysis and  development of new and unique methods. He has nine US patents from various projects.

    Learning and Development Provider- Chris understands the value and impact of quality mentoring and training for employees in Continuous Improvement. He can help you develop strategic plans to introduce Continuous Improvement in your organization.

    Coach for Executives and Managers- Chris has worked with C-suite executives and middle managers to help their transition to team based work structures and facilitating them to success in a Continuous Improvement culture.

    GET IT TOUCH

    Contact Us

    IMPROVE!

    www.Improve-P-I-E.com

    info-improve@rcpmain.com

    call or text to: 541-408-2541

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