What is the purpose of a baseline in relation to an improvement project?

The purpose of a baseline in relation to an improvement project is primarily to provide a snapshot of current services. This baseline establishes a reference point against which future improvements can be measured. By capturing the state of the services at the beginning of the project, teams can identify current performance levels, workflows, and resource allocation. This snapshot is critical for understanding the starting conditions of the project, as it allows for accurate assessment of progress and effectiveness once changes are implemented.

Having this snapshot enables managers and teams to set realistic expectations and benchmarks for improvement, ensuring that all subsequent changes can be aligned with the initial state of services. Consequently, tracking performance against the baseline will help organizations determine the impact of their initiatives and guide future decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.