We often think of state Departments of Transportation as inefficient, especially the Division of Motor Vehicles. However, Wisconsin DOT developed a strong performance measurement and continuous improvement program in 2013.

Wisconsin DOT uses their MAPSS Program to measure how they are doing and have implemented Lean Six Sigma to drive improvement where needed. These core measures from MAPSS represent the corporate measures that Wisconsin DOT feels are of greatest interest to the public and align with the department’s strategic goals.

MAPSS performance measurement areas as defined by Wisconsin DOT are: 

Mobility – Delivering transportation choices that result in efficient trips and no unexpected delays.

Accountability – The continuous effort to use public dollars in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

Preservation – Protecting, maintaining and operating Wisconsin’s transportation system efficiently by making sound investments that preserve and extend the life of our infrastructure, while protecting our natural environment.

Safety – Moving toward minimizing the number of deaths, injuries and crashes on our roadways.

Service – High quality and accurate products and services delivered in a timely fashion by a professional and proactive workforce

In a video from the Wisconsin DOT, department managers describe how Lean Six Sigma was used in three project areas to drive improvements:

  • Highway Sign Provision
  • DMV Driver’s License Skill Test Demand
  • LET Project (Projects Awarded by Bidding) Closeout

You can view the video here. For the most recent list of completed Lean Six Sigma projects and links to their individual final reports, click here.