In order to improve processes to be more predictable and more value adding, mature organizations understand the importance of concepts such as Lean and Six Sigma.
Lean is widely accepted to be the “first step” in process excellence, helping to bring stability and improvement in the value content delivered to customers.
Six Sigma helps to systematically minimize/eliminate variation in the process by developing capability in both the process as well as the people in the organization.
It is highly recommend that a capability maturity analysis is conducted as a precursor to improvement initiatives. This would help the organization understand the current state of its processes, and help to set objectives for improvement.