What does "sustaining improvements" refer to in Lean Six Sigma?

In Lean Six Sigma, "sustaining improvements" specifically refers to the ongoing practices and strategies implemented to maintain and build upon the gains achieved during a project. This aspect is critical to ensure that the improvements are not just temporary fixes but become ingrained in the organization's processes and culture.

Sustaining improvements involves creating systems, processes, and routines that support the results obtained. This might include regular performance reviews, standardized work procedures, periodic training sessions, and ongoing monitoring metrics to ensure that any deviations from the desired state are quickly identified and corrected. The focus is on embedding the improvements into everyday operations so that they continue to deliver value over time.

The other options represent different concepts that do not capture the essence of sustaining improvements. For example, continuous refinement of product features might lead to innovation but does not necessarily relate to maintaining existing improvements. One-time measures indicate short-term actions rather than long-term sustainability, while training new employees is essential but does not inherently guarantee that improvements will be sustained in the absence of ongoing practices. Understanding the importance of sustaining improvements is key to realizing the full benefits of Lean Six Sigma initiatives.