Kaizen

The term kaizen is used to describe a proactive, immediate step in implementing Lean.

Kaizen seeks to eliminate waste and make on-the-spot decisions on issues.

Kaizen also helps employees become more efficient, creating immediate change.

Kaizen typically involves using many of the basic tools of Lean together. For example, one kaizen event may include using a value stream map and implementing kanbans to reduce waste and increase productivity.

There are many benefits from using kaizen, including that it:

• creates very visible, open systems
• is simple, effective and inexpensive
• reduces inventory
• improves lead time and the overall quality of service

Ideally, using kaizen helps to involve everyone in a company and create a pull system.