Lean manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on process efficiency, minimizing waste, and producing quality outputs. Kaizen also focuses on improving quality, but the Japanese philosophy centers around continuous improvements, continuously looking into all aspects of an organization.
The two methodologies are complementary and are often used in unison by businesses that are looking to implement changes that can help their business grow. Instead of buying a selection of lean supplies and hoping for the best, serious consideration needs to be made to see success from the implementation of the two approaches. Plenty of information is available on websites such as Jake Goes Lean and Kaizen Institute, but to effectively combine the two, a structured approach that involves identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, and monitoring the results is needed. This process should be repeated regularly to keep up to date with the market and identify any flaws, leading to a steady improvement.
To implement kaizen in lean manufacturing, a good place to start is to identify areas for improvement. By analyzing the production process, and listening to both customers and employees from every department within the business, an improvement plan can be developed based on the findings. This should include goals, realistic timelines, and KPIs which will be used to measure progress. At this stage, the wider company should be involved in implementing the changes, following any adapted processes to create consistency across the workplace. Once any changes have settled, progress should be monitored and the data produced can be used to establish any further changes that are needed.
With the aim of kaizen being to provide a basis for continuous improvement, an organization can start to eliminate waste during production, promote a more motivated workplace culture, and gain a more competitive edge in the industry. Through these achievements, significant cost savings are often seen which can be invested back into other areas of the business to continue improving quality.
By introducing kaizen into existing lean manufacturing processes, there are a range of benefits to be had;
- Ongoing improvements
By implementing kaizen philosophies into lean manufacturing, the continuous improvement approach involves everyone in the organization which encourages employees to speak up about any issues they face and suggest improvements to the business. As well as helping to identify problems, feeling listened to and valued can increase job satisfaction, consequently improving workplace culture. - Improve production accuracy
Utilizing just-in-time principles means a business is only producing goods as and when they are needed, allowing them to order materials just in time for use. This approach reduces the need for excessive stock storage, keeping costs low and minimizing waste. - Cut down on waste
A main factor in lean manufacturing is reducing waste, and being able to identify areas that are proving wasteful and thus expensive. Whether this be from overproduction, defective products, excess inventory, faulty equipment, or wasted manpower, working out ways to minimize these factors can lead to significant cost savings throughout the organization.
Additional Resources
- Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing– creativesafetysupply.com
- The Benefits of Lean Manufacturing– lean-video.com
- How Kaizen Can Improve Customer Satisfaction– kaizenforums.com
- Lean Manufacturing & Lead Time– leanworkplace.com
- How 5S Can Create Sustainable Improvements Across a Business– 5svideos.com
- How Pipe Markings Play a Role in Compliance With OSHA Regulations– pipemarking.info
- Why Is GHS so Important in the Workplace?– ghsforum.com