This newsletter as a whole will focus on numerous topics. However, it was compulsory for the first written piece to discuss Kaizen.

Today's piece will investigate various subjects such as :

• What is Kaizen?

• 5S Framework.

• The Deming Circle

• Advantage & Disadvantages.

• Examples.

What is Kaizen?

Kaizen is a term that is formed from two Japanese words, Kai which translates to ‘’change’’ and zen which refers to ‘’good’’. This is a philosophy which was implemented by Toyota to study the culture of continuous improvement. This was a strategy put in place where employees were motivated to improve daily. Albeit slow progress, which then led to recognizable growth.

Principles of Kaizen include :

• Process improvement is possible in every area

• Competing requires continuous improvement

• People seldom cause defects and failures, but poor processes do

• In order to improve the organization, every member must play a part

• It is possible to make a big impact with small changes

5S Framework

To keep this short and concise, the 5S framework is broken into five parts. An organization can improve its profitability, efficiency, service, safety, and efficiency by implementing 5S. The example used will be a supervisor in the manufacturing industry.

Seiri – Remove needless objects around your workplace. Limit the possibility of being impacted by distractions whether they are phones or tools. (Supervisor only including required equipment for the job intended).

Seiton – Designation of your required environment. Improving workflow and safety by tactically placing equipment to work efficiently and stress-free. (Equipment is labelled and easy to identify).

Seiso – The importance of cleanliness. Work in an environment with a consistent cleaning schedule. Whether this is tools or your office workplace. This will allow you to recognise when something is faulty or out of place. (Work environment is clean and no obstructions are present).

Seiketsu – Standardize your process. Be a role model for future workers coming into your environment. Set the bar high and reap the rewards of improved efficiency and standard. (Everything is consistently stored where it should be).

Shitsuke – Sustain your discipline. This process does not end, this is your new standard. Constant maintenance of your process is important. (internal audits conducted to recognise improvements).

The Deming Cycle

The Deming cycle is also known as the PDSA cycle. This is another technique used successfully under the Kaizen philosophy.

Plan - Propose an idea to take advantage of an opportunity.

Do - Test the change. Perform the proposal identified.

Check – Review results and identify if the proposal was successful.

Act – Use knowledge from the previous steps to propose new ideas/implement systems. Repeat the cycle.

Positives & Negatives

Positives:

· Delivers a Competitive Advantage.

· Boosts Workplace Productivity.

· Enhances Creativity.

· Improves Teamworking.

· Build Leadership Skills.

Negatives:

· Reluctancy to Change – Employees may not agree with a new system or management feels it is out of their budget.

· Costs – It may take a substantial amount to fund training employees in a new system.

· Short-Term Motivation – Companies may be inclined to implement new systems short term. As motivation declines, discipline comes into play and this may hinder progress if not fully onboard with the project.

Examples of Kaizen Philosophy Used

Kaizen allowed Great Western Bank to reduce the steps needed to open an account with them. The customer journey was reduced from 34 to 24 steps. This significantly lowered the number of pain points and increased the number of opened accounts.

Lockheed Martin deals with advanced technologies in the aerospace sector. Kaizen allowed them to reduce delivery time from 42 months to 22 months. This allowed for material movement times to go from 30 days to just 4 hours.

Herman Miller is an office furniture company. Kaizen processes have improved their stock production times. An Aeron chair once took 82 seconds, now it takes 17 seconds.

Further Resources

🔊 Kickshaw also has a podcast called ''Kaizen Podcast'' which focuses on all aspects of Kaizen.

▶ Full Insight has released a detailed video on Youtube on the Japanese way to personal development.

📕 As we have only touched lightly on topics and if you have a keen interest in digging deeper. I would highly recommend researching this book here.

Thanks For Reading!

I hope you enjoyed this edition. Please subscribe to stay updated on future releases as we study various topics.