Introduction to Kaizen

Kaizen is an approach towards continuous improvement by carrying out problem-solving activities to achieve quick turnaround, improve productivity and reduce waste. This article will lay out the benefits of implementing Kaizen, along with how to adopt the PDCA Cycle to support continuous improvement.

16 November 2021

Kaizen continuous improvement

This Kaizen approach is characterized such that

  • It is widely applicable in various industries, both manufacturing and non-manufacturing environments.
  • It is result-oriented and highly effective for quick turnaround results
  • It is team-based and cross functional among members of various functions within organization.
Definition of Kaizen
Figure 1.1: Definition of Kaizen

Here is a few benefits of implementing Kaizen:

  • Helps to reduce lean waste such as inventory, waiting time and motion
  • Improves space utilization and product quality
  • Results in higher employee moral and job satisfaction, and lower turnover rate

With just four steps, the PDCA Cycle can be adopted to support Continuous Improvement (Kaizen):

PDCA Cycle for Continuous Improvement
Figure 1.2: PDCA Cycle for Continuous Improvement

01.

Plan

Define objective and how to achieve it

02.

Do

Implement the plan and make changes accordingly to ensure the plan functioning properly

03.

Check

Evaluate results and identify room or opportunity for improvement

04.

Act

Add adjustments based on what is discovered during ‘Check’ step

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