skgiridhar
57

Basics of Kaizen

Kaizen is a Japanese word, which means gradual, orderly and continuous improvement with minimal investment. Kaizen is an ongoing process focusing on elimination of wastes in all systems of an organization.

Two Elements of KAIZEN

Improvement\change for the better and ongoing\ continuity are the two elements that construct Kaizen. Absence of one of the element would not be Kaizen. For example, the expression “business as usual” contains continuity but not improvement where as “breakthrough” includes change or improvement but not continuity. KAIZEN should contain both the elements.

Maintenance, Innovation and Kaizen.

These three functions should occur in an organization simultaneously.

Maintenance refers to smooth functioning of current status, setting up of procedures and implementation of standards. Usually the lower level people of organization are responsible for maintenance.

Innovations are breakthrough activities such as, buying new machines, equipments developing new markets, directing R&D.

KAIZEN is an intermittent function involving small steps but with continuous betterment. Lower/middle management and workers, with encouragement and direction from the top management, should implement it.

Japanese KAIZEN activities whether individual or group, veer round the following themes.

• Work improvement.

• Working Environment improvement.

• Process improvement.

• Machine capability improvement (minimum down time)

• Improvement in production aids (jigs, fixtures, tools etc.)

• Improvements in service areas – office work

• Quality improvement.

• Improvement in customer service and customer relations.

• Improvements for new products (ideas)

• Improvement in the HUMAN individual capabilities.

The belief held by the Japanese management is that managers should spend 50% of their time in making improvements. The starting point of KAIZEN is identifying waste.The management should primarily focus on:

• Excess inventory

• Over production either in the form components or finished products.

Management – oriented KAIZEN should result in:

• Achieving maximum efficiency and quality.

• Minimum inventory.

• Eliminating methods that cause fatigue to workmen

• Maximizing utilization of facilities, tools etc to achieve efficiency.

• An open management, which allows questioning of the existing systems and processes.

• Encouraging learning and providing opportunities for its employees to learn.

• Encouraging synergistic teamwork and cooperation.

• Striving for and catalyzing continuous improvement at all levels.

• Systems improvement.

Therefore Kaizen is an involved leadership that guides people to continuously improve their ability to meet expectations of high quality, low cost, and on-time delivery.

From India, Secunderabad
as_ashu31
146

Hi :)
Wow!! :)
The information provided above about kaizen in above marks.
This should be followed everywhere in especially in govt.
Thanks
Ashish paliwal
Motivational and inspirational
Wisdom from an idiot : Ashish Paliwal

From India, Delhi
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