What is Kaizen?
Kaizen is the Japanese word for "change for the better" or "continuous improvement." The term refers to activities that improve every function of a business and is generally applied to manufacturing, but can be used to make almost any business more efficient.
By definition, Kaizen includes the involvement of all employees, from upper management to assembly line workers and can be used to improve every process in a supply chain, from purchasing to logistics. The lean manufacturing tool was first used by the Japanese in World War Two and was a major influence of the book “The Toyota Way.”
What is the goal of Kaizen?
Kaizen seeks to improve standardized processes in order to eliminate waste, fix workflow issues, and solve business problems.
How is Kaizen implemented? The Kaizen method generally involves 5 primary steps:
- Identify problem area that will be given focus.
- Utilize videotape to analyze current method.
- Test and evaluate improvement tactics.
- Implement improvements.
- Analyze results and present to upper management for feedback.
What is Kaizen most applicable to?
The Automotive industry. In fact, the Toyota Production System made the tool famous. If problems occur within the production process, Toyota assembly line personnel and their supervisors are expected to stop the production process and begin a Kaizen.
No comments:
Post a Comment