Welcome to the first ever EQC blog! We hope to bring you relevant information with a real-life view!
Today’s topic is one I have been thinking about for some time. In quality and manufacturing circles, there has been a lot of emphasis on continuous/continual improvement. Lately, there has been much debate about the term continuous vs. continual. Let’s look at the definitions.
Continual improvement indicates that an organization is striving to improve, however, this is done in stages, with breaks occurring between activities.
Continuous improvement indicates that the organization is in a constant state of driving process improvement.
To me this terms are too closely related to for someone not enamored with the world of quality to distinguish without a long explanation and several examples.
Sort of like trying to compare a car to a truck. You can tell me they work differently, and have different features, but they both move people and goods generally the same. The truck lover will try to convince you that the truck is different and maybe better than the car, but to someone that has no skin in the car vs. truck game, the similarities far outweigh the differences.
I would like to suggest a new term, that to me, really captures the spirit of an ever-changing world, and is constant reminder that we are always in a state of flux.
Perpetual Improvement.
Let that sink in.
The definition from Merriam-Webster is simple but power: “Continuing Forever”.
Isn’t that the improvement world we want to live in? Improvement that continues forever?
If it’s perpetual improvement you are after, EQC can help! Contact us so we can show you how!
Recent Comments