City of Mississauga built a corporate Lean program of 97 projects
Mississauga's Lean program: 97 completed projects, 2,000+ small improvements, 2,500+ staff trained, and a 2018 Continuous Improvement Excellence Award.
The challenge
Mississauga set out to demonstrate value for tax dollars and keep the City running efficiently despite budget pressures. Since 2016 it has used its Lean Program to improve the speed of business processes, improve customer experiences and reduce costs.
The approach
The Lean Program was established as a permanent resource in 2016 following a small pilot, with the goal of strengthening the culture of continuous improvement across the organization. Staff were trained in tiers, from introductory White Belt through certified Yellow Belt and Green Belt, and the program was made a key priority in the City's annual Business Planning and Budget process.
The result
As of November 2018 the City had completed 97 Lean projects, with 42 more underway, and more than 2,000 small just-do-it improvements. The City reported more than $9M in costs saved and avoided, without any impact on existing service levels. The City received the 2018 Continuous Improvement Excellence Award from Leading Edge Group.
How it holds
The Lean Program is a permanent function managed by the City's Corporate Performance and Innovation Section within Corporate Services, and it is a key priority in the annual Business Planning and Budget process.
Results
What changed
| Measure | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completed Lean projects | 97, with 42 more underway | ||
| Small just-do-it improvements | More than 2,000 | ||
| Staff with introductory White Belt training | More than 2,500 | ||
| Certified Yellow Belts and Green Belts | 27 Yellow Belts, 53 Green Belts | ||
| Costs saved and avoided | $9M+, as reported by the City and on the Leading Edge Group award page |
“Beyond just financial savings, the program has also improved our customer service and experience, provided environmental benefits as well as enhanced the quality and safety for both customers and those performing the work.”
Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, City of Mississauga
FAQ
Common questions
As of November 2018 the City reported 97 completed Lean projects with 42 more underway, more than 2,000 small just-do-it improvements, more than 2,500 staff with introductory White Belt training, 27 certified Yellow Belts and 53 certified Green Belts. The program has been a permanent City function since 2016.
In the City's November 2018 release, its Chief Financial Officer said the program had saved and avoided more than $9M in costs without any impact on service levels. The Leading Edge Group award page reports over $9M in cost savings and cost avoidance through 2,500 trained staff.
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