DAFI 38-401: CONTINUOUS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT (CPI)

DAFI 38-401 — index record

Number	DAFI 38-401
Title	CONTINUOUS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT (CPI)
Published	August 23, 2019
Certified current	August 23, 2019
Office of primary responsibility	SAF/AA
Issued by	Headquarters, Department of the Air Force
Status on the index	Current
Source index	Air Force e-Publishing
Index last read	October 20, 2026

Copied from Air Force e-Publishing (index). The publication itself is the authority; this page does not summarize or interpret it. Verify the current edition on the index before acting.

From the publication itself

Text below is lifted mechanically from the official PDF (25 pages, read October 20, 2026) with no editing or interpretation. Quote the document, not this page.

Purpose, in the publication’s words

It is every commander’s obligation to maximize the productivity of every asset and resource in both business and warfighting processes. Implementing performance management provides an effective means for commanders to execute their “Manage Resources” and “Improve the Unit” obligations outlined in AFI 1-2, Commander’s Responsibilities. Accordingly, this instruction establishes USAF’s CPI program. It also assigns detailed roles and responsibilities to support and implement the same. Further, it establishes performance standards and education and training requirements for certification. 1.1.1. Key principles contained in these methodologies include alignment of mission and metrics at all organizational levels, redesigning processes to improve flow and reduce waste, eliminating factors that degrade product quality, identifying and overcoming process constraints or even completely redesigning processes using clean-sheet thinking. Consistent application of these principles enables Airmen to integrate continuous process improvement concepts into daily routines.

Summary of changes, as printed

This document has been substantially revised and must be completely reviewed. Major changes include realigning the Continuous Process Improvement Program Management Office and reassigning this instruction’s Office of Primary Responsibility to the Business Capabilities Directorate, SAF/MGB, providing enhanced guidance on certification requirements, revising various roles and responsibilities, and prescribing Command-specific guidance and support requirements. AFI38-401 23 AUGUST 2019 3

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