Continuous Improvement Update

Continuous improvement thinking and tools bring clarity to problem solving and provide proven step-by-step methods to improving processes. The smallest improvements can result in big savings for an organization and its customers and clients.

Improvements employees made at the City of St. John’s:

• A fillable online form for the annual Call for Performers program which reduced errors and helped increase the number of submissions by 140%. Savings: 31 hours of staff time annually.

• iPads and survey software to collect asset information and condition assessments. Savings: reduced the overall process time by 47% and saved 1,968 hours of staff time annually.

• Developed a computer application to automatically gather the information required to add or change network accounts and privileges. Savings: up to 1,700 hours of staff time annually.

• Developed electronic forms to conduct Council e-polls, used between meetings for tight deadlines. Savings: 70 hours of administration time annually and quicker turnaround on votes and decisions.

• Developed an electronic log for payroll processing for capital projects and improved record keeping. Savings: 26 hours of administration time and more than 1,800 sheets of paper annually.

• Created a concise and centrally located visual guide with standard instructions for completing a water filter change at a treatment facility. Savings: shortened the time required to complete the process by 70%.

• Tracking system for completion of asset inventory and building condition assessments. Savings: 55% reduction in the overall process time and 132 hours of staff time annually.

• Improved parking permit application and process. Savings: 43% on process time and 1,575 hours of staff time annually.

These improvements are just a few examples of how employees are applying their CI skills and thinking to make processes more efficient, to remove rework and to get better results for everyone, including our residents.

Since 2018, our improvement projects have reduced process time by an average of 45% and saved more than 6,500 hours of staff time annually.

Through continuous improvement, we are living our corporate values of continuing to do things better and being innovative while also striving to be an effective organization that delivers value to our citizens.