With perceived fluctuations in the US economy, many organizations have cut back on funding for education, training, and CPI programs in order to “save” money. This is a small short-term gain and an enormous long-term loss. As variability increases, waste abounds and leads to a hemoraging of revenue – with profitability losing pressure at an exponential rate. By removing these essential programs, these organizations are placing a band-aid on an open chest wound. In times on instability (real or perceived), CPI training, education, and implementation are key elements to survival and success.

Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies are not “blue sky” programs. They are here specifically for the “bad” times, yielding results through a cultural transformation combining high degrees of flexibility, quality, and velocity. When any leader arrives at the conclusion that they cannot afford to continue their CPI programs, the question must be asked: “Can you afford not to?”