The document discusses how vertical integration drives the need for standardized work and enables process improvement. Vertical integration is exemplified through the process of making an apple pie, from growing apples to baking the pie. Standardized work is important for establishing a shared understanding of what is acceptable and unacceptable quality. It allows processes to be stabilized and consistent results delivered. With standardized work in place, opportunities for further improvement can be identified through experimentation and applying the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust cycle.