MASTERING THE ART OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Imagine you hit pause on your business operations right now. Would your team be able to readily identify room for improvement, develop a viable solution, and implement it before your very eyes?No, it’s not a pipe dream. It’s the Kaizen Way; businesses

that follow this methodology are able to achieve the aforementioned scenario again and again to generate visible results.

Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Here’s how to improve with the Kaizen Way and become a master of productivity.

ABOUT THE KAIZEN WAY

Continuous improvement lies at the heart of the Kaizen methodology and what makes it different from your usual self-improvement

methods is that it focuses on sustainability. Thus, changes are made in a systematic way and integrated into the daily operations of a business

(or the regular activities of an individual).

Instead of launching a complete and immediate overhaul, the Kaizen methodology centers its approach on small, achievable steps. The steps build upon each other for an overall increase in effectiveness.

The term “Kaizen,” has roots in Sino-Japanese and translates as “change for the better.” The philosophy is most often associated with the Toyota Production System. It is used to facilitate the detection of errors by employees. Employees are encouraged to pinpoint room for

improvement in the production process and make suggestions to bring about that improvement.

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of the Kaizen philosophy is the flexibility of implementation. Organizations can readily make

incremental changes that fit their current operations without having to revamp their processes completely. To implement continuous

improvement in your workplace, sign up for NWCPE’s “Learning to Improve- the Kaizen Way” course at Portland State University,

scheduled to begin April 1.

THE SEVEN PHASES OF THE KAIZEN CYCLE

The Kaizen methodology isn’t just a way of thinking. It provides real steps to make continuous improvement achievable. These steps are

referred to as the phases of the Kaizen cycle. The cycle instructs individuals on how to identify opportunities for improvement as well

as develop and implement solutions.

THE SEVEN PHASES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. PINPOINT THE OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT

2. REVIEW AND ANALYZE THE PROCESS AT HAND

3. CREATE THE MOST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

4. PUT THE SOLUTION INTO EFFECT

5. ANALYZE THE RESULTS

6. REGULATE AND PERFECT THE SOLUTION

7. PREPARE FOR FUTURE STEPS

As you can see, these steps are ones that will work for just about any industry and organization. The clear layout of the phases provides a

roadmap to continuous improvement. NWCPE offers on-site training in business performance and transformation tailored for

the needs of your organization. Reach out to us today to begin your path to continuous improvement.

GETTING LEAN WITH KAIZEN

The Lean methodology eliminates non-value added tasks, reduces waste, and increases efficiency. To do so, continuous improvement must take place. The 7 phases of the Kaizen cycle can be used to

eradicate the 7 types of waste as defined by Lean.

When combined, Lean and the Kaizen Way generate increased operational efficiencies, optimal business operations, and the

preservation of vital resources. Overall, the Kaizen Way provides a sound method of improvement, which facilitates the development of a

Lean pathway. Ready to foster continuous improvement in your organization? Learn more about the Kaizen Way and Lean by

contacting NWCPE to discuss consulting services.