Kaizen is popular for its rapid problem-solving technique, often resolving issues in 5 days or less with proper preparation, participation, and tool application. While a Kaizen Event can be completed in 5 days or often times less, success will rely on the right preparation, participation and application of the tools.
What is Kaizen?
Kaizen refers to subtle, gradual improvements that are made over time. Rather than focusing on a million-dollar improvement opportunity, kaizen focuses on a million one-dollar opportunities.
Kaizen vs. Kaizen Blitz
They are both centered around the use of a Kaizen event. Kaizen Blitz is used to refer to something that is smaller in scope and that is intended to be a small, fast Kaizen event. A Kaizen event may be referred to as Kaizen, Kaizen Blitz or a Kaizen Event. Keep in mind that the scope of any Kaizen should focus on something small enough in scope that with the right preparation, the team can solve it in 5 days or less.
Preparation, Participation and Application
Regardless of what you call your Kaizen, success will rely on the right preparation, participation and application of the tools.
The owners and operators of the process attend a Kaizen Event. They will analyze the problem and will design and implement the improvements to the process that are within their control. In order for the events to be focused on problem-solving, the Kaizen Leader must have the data and information prepared for the team to evaluate during the sessions. This preparation can take as little as a few hours to several weeks.
Below is a common timeline for all the facets of executing the Kaizen timeline. While the timing of each stage may vary, each stage is a critical component to success.
Structuring the Kaizen Event
Traditional Kaizen Events are held in-person over 3-5 days, but flexibility is needed today. Consider participant locations, travel limitations, availability, and accessibility.
Your Kaizen event may need to be held:
- 100% in-person (ideally in close proximity to where the process is performed)
- Virtually (recommended to be a minimum of 2-hour blocks, 1-3 times a day)
- A mix of in-person and virtual meetings
- Consecutives Days or
- Once a week over several weeks (recommended not to exceed 5-6 weeks)
Facilitation is Key
Effective facilitation is crucial for Kaizen success. A well-prepared Kaizen leader will keep the team on track and on task.
It is important for Kaizen Leaders to have the tools to:
- Organize the agenda
- Gather and visualize the process data and information
- Facilitate:
- Idea generation
- Root cause analysis
- Solution generation
- Consensus on solutions and implementation plans.
Acuity Institute’s 100% Online Kaizen Leader Course has been designed to teach Kaizen fundamentals and the skills and tools for leading a Kaizen Event. Training is conducted online and uses a multi-media format that includes audio by Kaizen experts, examples of successful performance improvement, interactive simulations and quizzes, and the most current and robust tools and techniques available. The course is “self-paced” and can be accessed at anytime, anywhere.
Prefer In-Person training?
One of Master Black Belts can facilitate a 1-2 Day Kaizen training at your location. The in-person training includes a hands-on simulation.
Contact our team to learn more!