BPX Event – (Best Practice Exchange)

Best Practice Exchange (BPX) events are an opportunity for you to be immersed in organizations and cultures that have been recognized globally for their ability to continuously improve with high levels of engagement at each layer of the organization. These experiences are often career-altering as you witness the performance and impact these organizations achieve and realize the same opportunities in your organization. Seasoned ICG staff members create a specially crafted learning experience that your teams will talk about for many years to come.

US Synthetic is the world’s largest manufacturer of synthetic diamond inserts used in drilling applications within the oil and gas industry. With over 500 patents, they configure diamond insert attributes to align with specific geological needs for clients globally.

They began operations in 1978 and initiated their continuous improvement journey in the late 90’s as a way of keeping up with rapidly increasing demand.

Today their focused-factory value stream approach provides exceptional quality and employee engagement with more than 20,000 improvement ideas implemented annually. They are a purpose-driven organization with connection to metrics and initiatives in every team. They have done an exceptional job at connecting purpose, strategy and operational metrics at every level, such that every employee understands their role in achieving these overarching goals.

They were awarded the Shingo Prize in 2011. US Synthetic is one of the top examples globally of a mature continuous improvement system that has survived multiple generations of leaders and continues to improve.

OC Tanner, founded in 1927, is an employee recognition and award manufacturing organization. They have utilized their continuous improvement success to expand vertically in their value chain and become a globally recognized technology company that dominates their market and continues to do manufacturing.

O.C. Tanner has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for by Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work® multiple times. Most recently, they received this honor in 2021. This recognition highlights their commitment to creating a positive and supportive workplace culture.

In this experience you will see how continuous improvement behaviors and actions across the organization align with strategic initiatives and how teams from production as well as support areas achieve those objectives through daily huddles and structured problem-solving.

You will understand how they dramatically reduced their lead times from 26 days to 20 minutes and overcame challenges in their journey. You will spend time with front line employees and see levels of engagement and heart felt connection to their purpose and strategy that are truly inspiring. This visit is often a career-altering experience as you see the improvement systems in full maturity and realize the impact for good that great leaders can generate.