Cultural Assessment
The Shingo Challenge is a thorough assessment that evaluates how well an organization’s systems drive behavior to achieve sustainable results. Shingo Examiners assess how clearly the Shingo Guiding Principles are reflected in the behavior of people at all levels in the organization. The Shingo Challenge helps determine whether an organization’s systems are focused on short-term gains or designed to support long-term sustainability.
The Ultimate Reward
The greatest value of a Shingo Challenge isn’t a trophy — it’s the detailed feedback report provided by a team of experienced Shingo Examiners. The feedback report highlights an organization’s strengths, points out areas for improvement, and uncovers patterns of behavior that may be impacting performance.
The feedback report offers practical insights to put into action and serves as a roadmap toward organizational excellence.
It’s not about the award— it’s about learning, measuring progress, benchmarking, and building momentum.
A Milestone on Your Continuous Improvement Journey
The Shingo Challenge is an invaluable opportunity for organizations committed to a continuous improvement journey. Applicants that challenge may qualify for one of three prestigious recognitions:
the Shingo Bronze, the Shingo Silver, or the Shingo Prize.
Shingo Bronze
Organizations in the early stages of cultural transformation, focused on tools, improvement, and beginning to drive sustainable results.
Shingo Silver
Organizations maturing on their journey, focused on developing systems and using tools to drive continuous improvement.
Shingo Prize
Organizations with mature systems enabled by tools to deliver sustainable results — a globally recognized symbol of a culture rooted in organizational excellence.
Challenge Application
Applications for the Shingo Challenge are accepted year-round. The process takes several months, with timelines depending heavily on prompt communication. To be recognized at a Shingo conference, applications must be completed and marketing materials submitted at least six weeks before the conference. In-process Challenges or late submissions will be recognized at
a following conference. A sample timeline is below.
Challenge Process
2
Approval
2-4 weeks
3
6-12 weeks
4
Submit Achievement Report
5
Part 1 | Achievement Packet Assessment (APA)
45 days
6
Virtual Leadership Review
7
Site Visit Qualification Notification
SVA schedule 45-120 days out
8
Part 2 | Site Visit Assessment (SVA)
3-4 days
9
Recipient Notification
30 days after SVA
10
Marketing Packet
11
Recipient Recognition
Important Notice: Applying for the Shingo Challenge does not guarantee approval, qualification for an APA or SVA assessment, or Shingo recognition. The timelines provided are approximate and may change without notice, depending on factors such as examiner availability, communication efficiency, and logistical considerations.
Want to Know More?
We encourage you to contact the Shingo Institute assessment team early for any questions or clarification about the challenge process.
For a deeper understanding of the Shingo Challenge process, don’t miss the Shingo Challenge webinars, hosted by Brittney Ogden and Shaun Barker. These sessions are a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the assessment process, hearing success stories, and gaining valuable insights
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find complete Shingo Challenge details?
All comprehensive information, including application guidance, is outlined in the Shingo Challenge Guidelines.
Does the Shingo Institute offer assessments outside of the Challenge process?
No. On-site assessments are only conducted for approved Shingo Challenge applicants.
Can multiple organizations apply and become recipients in the same year?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of recipients. Applicants are evaluated against the Shingo Model™—not against one another.
How many organizations have received Shingo recognition?
A list of recipients dating back to 1989 is available on the Shingo website.
Can I tour Shingo-recognized facilities?
Yes. Many recipients offer tours. Contact organizations directly using details found in their profile sheets on the recipient list.
Can you recommend consultants for pre-assessment or roadmap planning?
Yes. See our list of licensed affiliates for support aligned with the Shingo Model.
Can an IT department apply?
Typically, IT departments alone are too small. Please contact our Assessment Team to determine an appropriate scope.
Are international applicants welcome?
Yes. Global applications are accepted, provided we can safely send an examination team to the site, in accordance with university and state travel guidelines.
Scoring & Assessment
What are the recipient-level scoring ranges?
Scores are based on a 1,000-point system:
- Shingo Bronze: 575–674
- Shingo Silver: 675–774
- Shingo Prize: 775>
Scoring feedback is provided as a level-based range, not exact points.
How is my organization’s final score determined?
Your organization’s final score is based on the assessment of both behaviors and results, using a defined scoring scale. For full details on how scores are calculated, including level ranges and scoring emphasis on continuous improvement, please see the scoring section of the Shingo Challenge Guidelines.
Application Process
Is a sample achievement report available?
No. However, the Shingo Challenge Guidelines provide detailed instructions. Many find the report creation process to be one of the most valuable aspects of the Challenge.
Does the Results documentation follow the profile sheet format?
No. Submit results in the format and order specified in the guidelines.
Should results documentation be part of the achievement report?
Yes. Include charts showing three years of data (monthly or quarterly), with brief explanations for deviations. See instructions and an example in the guidelines.
Is there a page limit for the achievement report?
Yes—50 pages total, including the results documentation.
Where can I find pricing and timeline information?
See the Shingo Challenge Guidelines for detailed requirements and cost breakdowns.
Is it required to attend Shingo workshops before applying?
It is not required, but highly recommended. Workshops like DISCOVER EXCELLENCE and SYSTEMS DESIGN help align your team with the Shingo assessment methodology and expectations.
Are there additional learning resources?
Yes. A variety of resources are available to support your learning journey. Explore publications such as the Build Excellence book and access an online Shingo Model overview specifically designed for team members through MyEducator, a Shingo-authorized online provider. You can also watch a wide range of webinars and videos on the Shingo Institute’s YouTube channel and stay connected through our social media platforms for the latest updates and insights.
What are the benefits of becoming a Shingo site recipient?
Beyond recognition, recipients receive detailed third-party feedback to accelerate their cultural transformation.
What consultants must be disclosed in the application?
To avoid potential conflicts of interest, all current or pending consultants must be listed, including those not affiliated with the Shingo Institute.
Still have questions?
Reach out to Brittney Ogden at [email protected] if you have further questions or would like to schedule a meeting with the Shingo assessment staff.