Kaizen

 

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:

1. Identify problem area that will be given focus.
2. Utilize videotape to analyze current method.
3. Test and evaluate improvement tactics.
4. Implement improvements.
5. 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.   

What is Standard Minute Value (SMV)?

Definition: SMV means standard minute value. Time taken by a standard operator to complete any given operation with pre-determine conditions.

Standard Minute is the time value arrived at for a task based on the average rate of output which qualified workers will naturally achieve without over exertion provided that they know and adhere to the specified method and provided that they are motivated to apply themselves to their work.

SMV= Basic time + Allowance

What is IE?

·    Industrial Engineering is a branch of engineering dealing with the optimization at complex processes or systems. It is especially concerned with the optimization of man, machine, materials, equipment’s and how to utilize these resources in better method and in proper way to enhance productivity and quality of work.

 

An IE is responsible to design a way to produce a product in a quicker, easier and in better method.