How do you test your process improvement solutions before launch?

1 Define your criteria

The first step in testing your process improvement solutions is to define the criteria that you will use to evaluate them. These criteria should be based on your goals, expectations, and standards for the process, as well as the needs and feedback of your customers, stakeholders, and employees. You should also consider the risks, costs, and benefits of implementing the solutions, and how you will measure them. Some examples of criteria are customer satisfaction, cycle time, error rate, productivity, and profitability.

2 Choose your methods

The next step is to choose the methods that you will use to test your process improvement solutions. Depending on the nature, scope, and complexity of your solutions, there are different types of methods available. Simulation is one such method which involves creating a realistic model of your process and applying your solutions to it, using software, data, or physical objects. This allows you to observe the effects of your solutions without affecting the actual process or environment. Experiment is another method which involves applying your solutions to a small sample or segment of your process, using a controlled setting and a comparison group. Pilot is yet another method which involves implementing your solutions to a limited part or area of your process, using the real setting and resources. All these methods allow you to compare outcomes, test feasibility and acceptability, and monitor performance and impact.

3 Collect and analyze data

The third step is to collect and analyze the data that you will use to assess your process improvement solutions. The data should be relevant, reliable, and valid, reflecting the criteria defined in the first step. To do this, you need to use appropriate tools and techniques such as surveys, interviews, observations, checklists, charts, graphs, or statistics. The data analysis should help answer questions such as how well your solutions meet your criteria, what their strengths and weaknesses are, what opportunities and threats exist for them, how they compare with the current or alternative ones, and what recommendations and implications there are for them.

4 Communicate and review results

The final step is to communicate and review the results of your testing with your team, management, customers, stakeholders, and employees. You should present the results clearly, objectively, and persuasively, using reports, presentations, or dashboards. You should also highlight the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations, and explain how they support your goals and objectives. You should also solicit and incorporate feedback, suggestions, and questions from your audience, and use them to refine, improve, or modify your solutions.

Testing your process improvement solutions before launch is a crucial step in ensuring that they are effective, efficient, and sustainable. By following these steps, you can test your solutions systematically, rigorously, and confidently, and prepare them for a successful launch.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?