SEABLOG

We’re learning some lessons by observing the quarterly report process and we wanted to share these and invite questions.

1. People are asking a lot of basic questions and we wanted to let you know that there are free webcasts where you can get a lot of information and ask questions about implementing the roadmap. Just go to http://seaonline.org/Briefings/webcasts.html and register.

2. Please make notes on examiner feedback each time you submit a quarterly report. Feedback on one quarterly report will become a potential rejection on the next quarter if the examiner sees the same thing again. The examiner is keeping notes - you should too.

3. Value Streams - we’re looking for the fact that you’re using the basic elements of the roadmap and process maturity in your value streams. In order to prepare for certification you need to select at least one value stream and within that value stream at least one process. Be sure to list the names of the champion and process owner on your quarterly report comments. Prepare them to comment each quarter about their progress - maturity level of the process and what they’ve done to improve it. Champions for value streams should have goals and metrics for measuring value stream performance - what are they and how are they doing? The reason we build the roadmap foundation is to create a strong basis for improvement across the company - clearly you get the “bang for the buck” when you use the roadmap stage one processes as a foundation for improvement across your value streams.

4. We seem to be having a problem with value stream definition. We’re seeing a lot of value streams that are really processes. Here is the definition from the SEA website:

“Value Stream – All the processes required to produce a product or service of value to a customer. The term value stream applies to product families or individual products or services. The value stream includes the flow of materials in production as well as information flow. The customers of a value stream could be internal or external.”

Our main point is that a value stream is a collection of processes. It is useful for that reason.

5. Report Comments - remember, a report that includes facts - how many, how far, when, where, what - is more credible to an examiner than a report that is “anecdotal” - tells a good story but is mainly devoid of facts. If you held communication meetings with all employees, include how many meetings, how many employees, who spoke and how long the meetings were, what topics they covered, etc.