Lean Manufacturing
Read this chapter. It presents the lean 5S approach to workplace organization and safety. It also covers the Kaizen idea of continuous improvement. Kaizen seeks out and identifies waste, inconsistencies, and strain on people and machines. Reflect on your current or previous job. What types of waste occurred, and how would you apply the Kaizen philosophy?
KAIZEN
While the lean 5S process focuses on the removal of waste, Kaizen focuses on the practice of continuous improvement. Like lean 5S, Kaizen identifies three main aspects of the workplace: Muda (wastes), Mura (inconsistencies) and Muri (strain on people & machines). However, the Kaizen step-by-step process is more extensive that the lean 5S process.
The Kaizen process overview:
![](https://learn.saylor.org/pluginfile.php/5619062/mod_book/chapter/49553/image.png)
- Identify a problem.
- Form a team.
- Gather information from internal and external customers, and determine goals for the project.
- Review the current situation or process.
- Brainstorm and consider seven possible alternatives.
- Decide the three best alternatives of the seven.
- Simulate and evaluate these alternatives before implementation.
- Present the idea and suggestions to managers.
- Physically implement the Kaizen results and take account of the effects.
Lean manufacturing improves as time goes one, so it is important to continue education about maintaining standards. It is crucial to change the standards and train workers when presented with new equipment or rules.