Affiliates Choice for Systems Excellence Nomination Form

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Purpose of Affiliates Choice for Systems Excellence Recognition

Key systems are the foundation of organizational excellence. According to the Shingo Model, systems must be intentionally designed to achieve specific end objectives; if left unmanaged, they evolve unpredictably. Systems drive the behavior of people within an organization, and variation in behavior inevitably leads to variation in results. Sustained excellence requires well-designed, aligned systems that consistently promote the ideal behaviors needed to sustain ideal results.


New in 2026, Shingo Licensed Affiliates can nominate one organization each year that has built and evolved a model system aligned to the Shingo Guiding Principles, where measurable improvement over time is clearly attributable to that system—not to isolated tools or short-term initiatives. The system must demonstrably drive behaviors closer to ideal while improving performance outcomes. 


What this is NOT

  • A competition
  • A “world-class” benchmarking exercise against other organizations
  • A recognition based on outcomes alone
  • A program open to self-nomination
  • A tools-focused recognition
  • A recognition available to a recent Shingo site recipient (within the last 10 years)
  • A proxy for the Shingo Prize

What this IS

  • An affiliate-nominated recognition
  • A recognition of system maturity, evolution, and sustained impact
  • A demonstration of improvement in KPIs and KBIs over three years
  • A benchmark-worthy system from which others can learn

Eligibility Criteria

For an organization to be considered for the Affiliates Choice for System Excellence recognition, the following criteria must be met: 

1. Affiliate Nomination
  • Each affiliate may submit one nomination per year.
  • Only one key system from a single Key Systems Category may be nominated per organization.
  • The nominated organization cannot already have received Shingo recognition (ie: Bronze, Silver, Prize or previous Affiliate's Choice).

2. System Longevity

  • The system must have been in place for a minimum of three years.
  • There must be evidence of multiple iterations, versions, or deliberate evolutions.

3. System Scope

  • The nomination must focus on one clearly defined Key System Category.
  • The system must be a formal, documented system that includes Shingo system components (e.g., name, owner, aim, workflow, team members, standard work, reports, cadence, improvement log, KPIs, KBIs).
  • Tools alone do not qualify as a system.

4. Demonstrated Impact

There must be clear evidence that system evolution is linked to:

  • KPI (Key Performance Indicator) improvement (toward ideal results).
  • KBI (Key Behavioral Indicator) improvement (toward ideal behaviors).

5. Benchmark-Worthy

  • The affiliate must affirm, “I would confidently bring other organizations to see this system in action.”
  • The organization must be willing to participate as a Shingo Showcase site.

Key Systems Categories

The Key Systems Categories align with the three dimensions and Guiding Principles of the Shingo Model. Affiliates may select one system in one dimension from one of the following categories: 

Dimension 1: Cultural Enablers

Respect Every Individual, Lead with Humility


Cultural Enablers Key System Categories

  • Communications
  • Engagement/Motivation/Recognition
  • Environmental
  • Health/Physical and Psychological Safety
  • People Development (Education/Training)
  • Recruitment/Onboarding
  • Society/Community
Dimension 2: Continuous Improvement

Seek Perfection, Embrace Scientific Thinking, Focus on Process, Assure Quality at the Source, Improve Flow & Pull


Continuous Improvement Key System Categories

  • Assessment
  • Digital/AI/Automation/Autonomation
  • Flow and Pull
  • Idea Generation/ Suggestions/Implementation
  • Innovation
  • Leader Accountability System/LSW/Direct Observation
  • Problem-Solving
  • Supplier Development
  • Visual Management/5S

Dimension 3: Enterprise Alignment

Think Systemically, Create Constancy of Purpose, Create Value for the Customer


Enterprise Alignment Key System Categories

  • Measurement and Reporting
  • Policy/Strategy Deployment and Behavioral Deployment (KPIs and KBIs)
  • Voice of the Customer

Evaluation

There is no scoring or judging. Recognition is granted when: 
  • The nomination form is complete and all criteria are met.
  • The affiliate formally endorses the nomination.
  • The nominee consents to public recognition.
  • The nominee is willing to open their system for shared learning.

Measurement Expectations (KPIs and KBIs)

Affiliates must provide evidence demonstrating system effectiveness. 

  • Required KPI Evidence: Descriptions of performance before and after system implementation and evolution, as well as trends over time.

  • Required KBI Evidence: Identification of relevant behaviors and descriptions of behaviors before and after system implementation, as well as trends over time.

System Evolution Requirements

Affiliates must describe: 
  • The original need for the system (intent and initial design).
  • The system’s evolution, including:
         o   Design modifications, both what worked and what was intentionally discontinued.
         o   Reasons for changes.
         o   Lessons learned from both successes and missteps.

  • Planned or anticipated modifications to move closer toward ideal results and behaviors.

  • How the system aligns with the Shingo Guiding Principles.

Nominating Affiliate




Please use the email address associated with your affiliate portal access.

Nominee Information







Note: To be recognized, an organization is required to permit the Shingo Institute to publish/showcase their organization name and their system.

Key Systems Category





System Description

Please describe the formalized system, with Shingo system components, and include the following: 






System Evolution

Please describe the system's evolution. 




Impact Evidence

Please provide evidence of the following:  




Benchmark Statement

Permissions

After the nomination is received and approved by the Shingo Institute, recognition will be sent to the nominated organization. Accepting the recognition implies consenting to public recognition (approval of logo, summary of system) and to acting as a Shingo Showcase site.


Thank you for your nomination!

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