As discussed throughout this chapter, implementing change to achieve the future
state can be conducted by using the action plan as the guiding document. Keeping
the team focused on the results generated through multiple kaizen events or
improvement projects can easily center on the action plan. Team members not
only see the prioritized plan in a structured manner, but they also can easily
review this plan against the Future State Map on an ongoing basis.
Because it is not the norm to complete all aspects of change associated with a
Future State Map in a single week, the need to manage and refocus efforts over
a period of time is crucial to successful implementation. Keeping the action planvisible and updated throughout the life of the kaizen efforts must be maintained.
To this end, the Value Stream Maps and action plan may be displayed within the
value stream itself, alongside other pertinent information to show the workforce
what is happening.
For those organizations that have a more formalized and structured culture,
the use of a project plan may be essential to gain the acceptance of employees
and management alike. Rother and Shook introduced this concept in their
book, Learning to See. The tool (which is not new by any means to the process
improvement world) consists of a Gantt chart with action items listed and target
implementation dates shown. Figure 19.3 provides an example of a Gantt chartbased
project plan