1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
After the Gemba Walk
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
A Kaizen event is a short time-boxed, limited-scope, collaborative event that contributes to the larger scope of continuous improvement. Kaizen is a Japanese term for ‘continuous improvement’, therefore, the Kaizen event represents a continuous improvement event.
3. HOW TO USE KAIZEN EVENTS IN THE GEMBA WALK
In Gemba Walks we know two Kaizens: Daily Kaizen and Kaizen events. While Daily Kaizen occurs during the Gemba Walk (see Daily Kaizen practice), the Kaizen event will take place after a Gemba Walk. If an opportunity or challenge was too complex for the Gemba team to resolve on the spot, a Kaizen event is planned and a responsible person is allocated to execute the event with the help of subject matter and continuous improvement experts. The progress and results of the Kaizen event will be checked during the next Gemba Walk or at the Gemba Walk on a pre-set date in the case of improvement activities with a longer duration.
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Communicates the relevance and objective of performing and attending Kaizen events. Organizes Kaizen events with key persons to solve challenging problems that could not be solved during the Daily Kaizen. Selects key employees/team members to attend the Kaizen event. Identifies KPIs to be analyzed and reflected during the Kaizen event
Facilitator: Supports Kaizen activity, offers support and coaching
Team member: Actively attends the Kaizen event. Provides insights, data and ideas to solve the problem during the Kaizen event
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Enables an environment to collaboratively solve problems in a short period of time
De-risks improvement initiatives and projects
Reduces process waste and improves process flow
Provides quick results
Empowers employees
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT ORGANIZE KAIZEN EVENTS
Airbus Defence and Space, Barry Callebaut, Bocar Group, CEMEX, IMC, Interface, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Swisscom and Thermo Fisher Scientific