🔄 What is Kaizen?
Big Idea: Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning 'continuous improvement'. The idea is simple: make small, regular improvements every day, and over time they add up to BIG results! 📈
How does it work?
- All workers — from the factory floor to managers — suggest improvements
- Changes are small and low-cost, not huge overhauls
- Teams meet regularly to discuss what could work better
- Improvements are tested, measured and kept if they work
Example: A worker notices that tools are stored far from the assembly area. They suggest moving the tool rack closer — saving 30 seconds per product. Small change, big impact over thousands of products!
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✅❌ Benefits and challenges
- ✅ Improves quality and efficiency over time
- ✅ Low cost — small changes don't need big budgets
- ✅ Motivates workers — they feel valued and heard
- ✅ Reduces waste and defects
- ✅ Creates a culture of teamwork and ownership
- ❌ Takes time to see results — no instant fix
- ❌ Requires a culture shift — some managers resist sharing power
- ❌ Workers need training in problem-solving
- ❌ Hard to maintain enthusiasm long-term
- ❌ Not suitable for urgent, large-scale changes
Kaizen = many small steps, not one giant leap. It's about progress, not perfection! 🐾
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🔗 Kaizen links to other lean ideas
Kaizen doesn't work alone — it connects to other lean production methods.
- JIT — Kaizen helps improve supplier relationships and reduce delays
- Cellular manufacturing — cells use Kaizen to improve their own processes
- TQM — Kaizen supports the idea that quality is everyone's job
- Quality assurance — continuous improvement prevents defects at every stage
Exam tip: Kaizen is a great evaluation point in longer answers — it shows understanding of how lean tools work together.