The pursuit of excellence is one of the fundamental values ​​that determine the success of any organization. It emphasizes the commitment to achieving the highest standards in all aspects of the company’s functioning. In practice, this means constant efforts to improve, innovate and set industry standards. The pursuit of excellence is associated with ensuring the highest quality, efficiency and effectiveness of services and products, as well as encouraging team members to continuously develop personally and professionally.

Continuous improvement

One of the key elements of striving for excellence is the philosophy of continuous improvement. This concept, also known as Kaizen in Japanese culture, assumes that every change for the better, even the smallest, is a step towards excellence. Striving for excellence through continuous improvement is a process that never ends and involves all levels of the organization, from line workers to top management.

The Ten Principles of Kaizen:

1. Reject the status quo.
2. Every problem is an opportunity to improve.
3. Use available resources instead of introducing new ones.
4. Solve problems where they occur.
5. Use visual tools to understand problems.
6. Base your decisions on data.
7. Make small, regular changes rather than big jumps.
8. Improve processes, not individual tasks.
9. Identify the causes of problems, not just their effects, using the PDCA method.
10. Build a culture of collaboration and employee engagement.

Example Toyota

Toyota is a great example of an organization that has implemented the Kaizen philosophy. By constantly improving its production processes, Toyota has become a leader in the automotive industry, known for the high quality and reliability of its vehicles. Thanks to this approach, Toyota is able to quickly respond to changing market conditions and customer needs, which allows it to maintain a competitive advantage.

Toyota, known not only as a car manufacturer but also as a pioneer of innovative production methods, uses the Kaizen Karakuri concept to improve work efficiency and comfort. Karakuri, inspired by 19th-century Japanese mechanical dolls, involves intelligent automation of processes using mechanisms based on physical principles, such as gravity and springs, without the use of electricity or sensors. Thanks to this, Toyota achieves excellent results in terms of efficiency and work safety.

Kaizen Karakuri, which is part of the philosophy of continuous improvement, focuses on the wisdom and creativity of employees and the use of existing resources to optimize processes. These principles include minimizing the use of human hands, no additional investments, using natural forces, and creating safe and ergonomic solutions. Thanks to this, Toyota reduces costs, simplifies maintenance and increases employee involvement.

Examples of Karakuri in Toyota factories include simple mechanisms such as fishing lines used to move objects, and magnets used to lift screws that eliminate the need to reach into containers. Other solutions include assembly carts that use gravity to automatically move along production lines. This approach not only increases efficiency, but also reduces worker fatigue and improves production quality.

Toyota is constantly improving its Karakuri Kaizen methods, and about 400 employees work on new solutions every year that improve efficiency and allow creativity to be used in everyday work. Karakuri is proof that you don’t need large investments to significantly improve processes in a company. This approach can be an inspiration for other companies that want to improve their operations with minimal financial outlay.

Introducing innovation

Striving for excellence is not possible without openness to innovation. Organizations that want to achieve the highest standards must be ready to experiment and implement new ideas. Innovation allows for the creation of better products and services, which is crucial for gaining and maintaining a competitive advantage.

Apple Example

Apple is an example of a company that has achieved excellence through innovation. From the introduction of the iPhone, which revolutionized the smartphone market, to the development of wearable technology, Apple has constantly introduced new products that set standards in the industry. Apple achieves success thanks to its innovation, design, strong brand, customer loyalty, integrated ecosystem and financial strength. Despite the high prices of its products and its dependence on key products, the company constantly innovates to maintain its position as a leader in the market. In 2023, Apple recorded revenue of $ 383.3 billion, with a net profit of $ 97 billion. By constantly innovating and responding to the latest trends, Apple is well-positioned to maintain its position as one of the leaders in the technology industry.

Setting industry standards

Striving for excellence also means setting industry standards. Organizations that achieve excellence often become role models for others. Setting standards requires not only high-quality products and services, but also an ethical and responsible approach to business.

Google example

Google, as a leading technology giant, has consistently set standards in the IT industry. From advanced search algorithms to innovative approaches to data management, the company has consistently raised the bar. In 2020, it achieved revenues of $182.5 billion, which is a testament to the effectiveness of its strategy. Google began its operations as a search engine, revolutionizing the way people find information. PageRank algorithms and innovations in machine learning and artificial intelligence have allowed the company to maintain a competitive advantage.

Google has built advanced data centers that incorporate the latest energy efficiency and resource management technologies to process massive amounts of data in real time. The company also engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, investing in renewable energy, supporting technology education, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Programs such as Grow with Google offer free training and educational resources.

Google has revolutionized the way we use technology with advanced algorithms, innovative data management, and a broad ecosystem of services. Investments in artificial intelligence and socially responsible actions further strengthen Google’s position as a leader in the world of technology.

Quality, efficiency and effectiveness

Striving for excellence also means constantly striving to provide the highest quality, efficiency and effectiveness. Achieving these goals requires precise planning, monitoring and optimization of business processes.

Siemens example

Siemens, as a global leader in the engineering industry, focuses on ensuring the highest quality of its products and services. Thanks to advanced technologies and efficient production processes, Siemens is able to deliver solutions that meet the highest quality standards. In 2020, Siemens achieved revenues of EUR 57.1 billion, which is evidence of the effectiveness of its approach to quality and efficiency.

Siemens places great emphasis on implementing and maintaining the highest quality standards, which is crucial to meeting customer needs and maintaining competitiveness in the global market. Quality standards are a set of management practices, methods, systems, requirements and specifications established by industry advisory groups. They help manufacturers achieve and document consistent quality of production and products. These standards can be universal for various industries or specific to a specific field.

The benefits of quality standards include increased customer satisfaction through understanding customer needs, improving processes, engaging employees, and making data-driven decisions that translate into high-quality products. Improved product and production safety is possible through standardized methods and processes, which supports regulatory compliance. Quality standards provide a framework that supports consistency and compliance with industry regulations, reduces errors and rework through standardized processes and accurate documentation, and enables global market service, reinforcing trust in the company on an international scale. Additionally, maintaining high quality standards and meeting customer expectations strengthens the company’s position in the market, providing it with a competitive advantage.

The basic principles of quality management according to ISO 9000:2015 include improving customer service by understanding and meeting their needs and building relationships, leadership consisting of implementing principles, setting goals, modeling and recognizing achievements, strengthening employee engagement by investing in communication, accountability and recognizing results, a process-oriented approach, i.e. managing activities as processes with value generation, implementing improvements by planning, implementing and measuring performance, data-driven decision-making, which means collecting and analyzing data with practical experiences and relationship management, i.e. the supply chain and cooperation aimed at improving quality. The adoption of these principles by Siemens is crucial to ensuring the highest quality of products and services, which translates into trust and satisfaction of customers around the world.

Personal and professional development

The pursuit of excellence also includes the personal and professional development of team members. Organizations that want to achieve excellence must invest in the development of their employees by providing them with appropriate training and career development opportunities.

Google example

Google offers a wide range of training and development programs to help employees develop their skills and advance within the company. This allows Google to attract and retain the best talent, which is essential to achieving excellence.

Google is known for its approach to employee development, which includes a variety of training programs, access to educational resources, and career development support. The company offers a wide range of courses and workshops that help employees improve their technical and soft skills. Google also promotes a culture of continuous learning, encouraging employees to experiment and take risks, which fosters innovation. Through mentoring programs and an employee evaluation system, Google provides regular feedback, which allows you to track your progress and set development goals. The company also supports employees in gaining new qualifications and certifications, which can lead to promotions within the organization. Additionally, Google places great emphasis on taking care of the mental and physical health of its employees, offering wellness programs and flexible working hours, which contribute to a better work-life balance. Thanks to these actions, Google not only attracts talented people, but also maintains a high level of engagement and satisfaction among its employees.

Statistics show that organizations that strive for excellence achieve better financial and operational results. According to a McKinsey report, companies that invest in continuous improvement achieve an average of 30% higher productivity than their competitors. Additionally, according to a Harvard Business Review study, organizations that focus on innovation achieve an average of 50% higher revenue growth.

The pursuit of excellence is a key element of success for any organization. It involves continuous improvement, innovation, setting industry standards, and delivering the highest quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Organizations that strive for excellence not only achieve better financial results, but also attract and retain the best talent, which is crucial for long-term success. Examples of companies such as Toyota, Apple, Google, and Siemens show that the pursuit of excellence is the path to success in today’s competitive business world.

Sources:

• What is Kaizen? Philosophy in practice. Effective optimization.
• Kaizen Karakuri, or Toyota’s Perpetuum Mobile.
• Apple – Innovations that define the future.
• 7 Universal Business Principles from Google. They have been guided by them since the beginning of their operation.
• Quality standards – Siemens
• Poland 2030 Report McKinsey Forbes

Also read:

• At TIP, we strive for excellence – the key to the success of the organization
• At TIP, we put people first
• Authenticity as the Key to Success, How TIP Builds Trust, Reputation, and Efficiency through Commitment to Values
• TIP Operates Fairly: The Foundation of Ethical Business Conduct
• At TIP, We Embrace Change: A Key Value of Modern Organizations

Glossary of terms:

Kaizen (Japanese Kai – change, Zen – good) is a concept of continuous improvement and enhancement, involving all employees of an organization in the search for ideas for improvement. The aim of Kaizen is to eliminate current problems, prevent their future occurrence and create innovative solutions. In Japan, employees naturally submit proposals for improvements, which are accepted by management, while in Western companies such ideas are often ignored. Kaizen is based on small, incremental changes in all areas of activity. Implementation of this concept requires the use of various management systems, such as Total Quality Management, Just in Time or Total Productive Maintenance, and the creation of a favorable organizational culture. Employees should be appreciated and involved in the processes of continuous improvement. Kaizen, being process-oriented, brings significant resource savings and increases employee activity in reporting changes, which creates an atmosphere of cooperation and problem-solving.

Kaikaku (Japanese: 改革 – reform) is a concept of introducing radical changes in the business processes of an enterprise or in a value stream encompassing many companies. In the philosophy of lean management, Kaikaku and Kaizen should complement each other. Kaizen assumes improvement in small steps, while Kaikaku introduces changes that require deeper analysis and transformation of processes. Projects consistent with Kaikaku are more labor-intensive, but do not necessarily have to involve large costs (e.g. investments in new technology or machinery). Kaikaku is analogous to Business Process Reengineering, although they have different sources. Companies that apply Kaizen principles exclusively often encounter too fragmented and time-consuming changes or completely neglect the implementation of improvements that require more in-depth and labor-intensive modifications.

Lean Management – ​​Lean Management is a management concept that aims to maximize customer value while minimizing losses. It focuses on the full use of available resources and adapting the organization to market conditions. This method allows for cost reduction, improvement of product and service quality, reduction of inventory and increase of productivity, as well as employee satisfaction and motivation. Lean Management aims for effective organization, high quality of products, reduction of inventory and production costs, shortening of production cycles and acquisition of new customers, enabling faster response to market changes. Basic assumptions of Lean include striving for perfection, employee involvement, systematic change process, flexible organizational structure and elimination of waste, such as overproduction, excessive inventory and unused potential of employees. Implementation of Lean requires willingness to make mistakes and support of experts and training to avoid employee discouragement and problems resulting from insufficient analysis of decisions.

The PDCA cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act) is an iterative management approach that aims to continuously improve processes and eliminate problems. Originating from 20th-century manufacturing practices, the PDCA cycle was popularized by W. Edwards Deming, who called it the “Shewhart Cycle.” PDCA involves four steps: planning activities, executing them, checking the results, and making any necessary changes. This process is used in many industries because of its simplicity and effectiveness. The planning phase involves defining goals and determining how to achieve them, while the execution phase tests proposed changes under controlled conditions. The checking phase involves analyzing the results and assessing whether the changes have had the intended effect. The action phase involves making the changes permanent and starting another cycle. PDCA helps organizations iteratively improve their processes, enabling them to respond quickly to market changes and eliminating errors. The cycle is flexible and scalable, so it can be adapted to different situations and teams, making it more effective than many other management and quality control methods.

Karakuri – Karakuri/LCA, a central element of Lean philosophy, is simple, intelligent process automation based on physical principles, without the need for drives, sensors, electricity or compressed air. This form of Low Cost Automation (LCA) uses the laws of gravity and mechanics to create efficient, maintainable solutions that can be implemented faster and with fewer components than traditional automation. Karakuri/LCA frees workers from repetitive tasks such as lifting and carrying materials, which add no value. Originating in Japan in the 17th to 19th centuries, Karakuri was originally used for entertainment purposes, but now existing resources and worker creativity are being harnessed for low-cost automation.

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) – a set of rules ensuring high standards in production processes, taking care of hygiene, quality and product unification. GMP is a standard in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industry, covering the entire process from purchasing raw materials, through production and packaging, to storage and sale. GMP is control, procedures and responsibility at every stage of production. From raw material to customer GMP ensures control, excluding accidental actions from purchasing raw materials to sale. It includes procedures for machines, employees, training, transport, maintenance and disinfection. It provides for the use of an adequate amount of raw materials at the appropriate stage of production.

Good Manufacturing Practice – 10 Most Important Principles

1. Know the procedures before you start work.
2. Follow the rules and consult when you have concerns.
3. Check the suitability of raw materials and components.
4. Assess the technical condition of machines before work.
5. Avoid contaminating the product.
6. Stay focused and avoid mistakes.
7. Report errors and irregularities.
8. Take care of personal hygiene and that of your workplace.
9. Record process data.
10. Take responsibility for your actions.

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a quality assurance system used in the preclinical phase of drug testing. GLP, introduced globally since 1978, prevents scandals in the pharmaceutical industry and regulates the principles of quality assurance during testing. GLP-compliant testing includes personnel, space and equipment requirements. The testing process consists of planning, testing, documentation and reporting of results. GLP-compliant devices such as CO₂ incubators, climate chambers and drying chambers must ensure reliable operation and the possibility of logging data. BINDER offers solutions that support GLP compliance, such as APT-COM™ software and Data Logger sets.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – The FDA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, plays a key role in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of drugs. Founded in the early 20th century, its mission was to protect consumers from adulterated foods, drugs, and cosmetics. Today, the FDA oversees clinical trials, ensuring that data is ethical and accurate, and regulates over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

The FDA drug approval process includes animal testing, an IND application, three phases of clinical trials, an NDA application, label review, and postmarketing monitoring. The FDA continually monitors drugs for adverse effects, ensuring long-term safety.

The FDA influences the pharmaceutical industry globally, and its decisions are benchmarks for other countries. Although it faces criticism, its role is to protect public health through rigorous scientific evaluation, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of drugs.

Quality Management System (QMS) – is an advanced software for monitoring production quality in smart factories. It monitors production processes, eliminates machine and human errors, and ensures compliance with standards, which increases the plant’s competitiveness. QMS optimizes resources and improves operational efficiency (OEE), audit results and customer satisfaction. Integration with other plant systems increases the efficiency and repeatability of processes.

QMS implementation includes digitalization, integration with plant systems, data analysis, and continuous improvement of production quality. The system manages supply control, certificates of analysis, quality reports, production, material control, audits and calibrations. QMS meets product quality requirements, eliminating nonconformities and improving operational performance and customer satisfaction.

ISO/IEC 27001 is a global standard for information security management systems (ISMS) that defines the essential requirements. It provides guidance to organizations of all sizes and sectors on how to establish, implement, maintain and improve an ISMS. Compliance with this standard ensures that data security risks are effectively managed in line with international best practices. ISO/IEC 27001 helps organizations proactively identify and address gaps through a comprehensive approach that includes people, policies and technology. Benefits include resilience to cyberattacks, preparedness for new threats, data integrity, confidentiality and availability, security across platforms, organization-wide protection and cost savings. ISO 9000:2015 as a Framework for Maintenance Management Systems – Many organizations seek competitive advantage by optimizing cost, quality, service and on-time delivery. The impact of maintenance on these variables makes it an integral part of improving productivity. The Maintenance Management Framework is a strategy and tool necessary to achieve quality, efficiency and effectiveness. In companies using a quality management system, this framework should be based on the seven principles of quality management according to the ISO 9000:2015 standard. The benefits include improved product quality, employee and environmental safety and support for company development.