27 · Standard Work
1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
After the Gemba Walk
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Standard work is a detailed definition of the most efficient process to design, develop or produce a product or perform a service to achieve the desired outputs. It is considered as the baseline for continuous improvement, providing best practices and ensuring employees perform their work in the best possible way, through guidelines and standard operating procedures. Providing training to employees enables them to comply with the standards, ensuring minimal rework, and reducing variation and waste.
3. HOW TO USE THE STANDARD WORK IN THE GEMBA WALK
During and after the Gemba Walk, teams carry out improvement projects to resolve a problem, improve work activities and processes, and enhance efficiency. Once the improvement project is completed with a positive impact, current standard operating procedures (SOPs) are reviewed and complemented or updated based on the latest development.
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Authorizes SOP reviews, changes, and updates or carries them out on his/her own
Facilitator: Proposes when SOPs should be reviewed and helps to update SOPs
Team member: Reviews, suggests changes and/or updates SOPs. Follows SOPs
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Ensures best practices are in use and widely communicated
Supports continuous improvement
Provides guidance to employees
Eliminates wasteful activities
Maintains quality of work
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT CARRY OUT STANDARD WORK
Airbus Defence and Space, Bocar Group and CEMEX