Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement. [1] It was developed after World War II based on American concepts and further developed by Masaaki Imai. [2] Kaizen relies on teamwork and employee involvement to improve processes by eliminating waste through small, incremental changes. [3] It can be applied in manufacturing and non-manufacturing environments to drive operational efficiencies and improve quality, employee morale and productivity.

1. Kaizen
By Sindhu Seetharaman

2. Kaizen ?
Kai = Change Zen = Good
(For the better)
Kaizen = Continuous Improvement`
( Elimination of Waste)

3. Inception
Evolved after World War II, influenced by American’s Experts
Developed by Maaski Imai
(The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success (1986)
First applied In Toyota Production System

4. Building Blocks
• Elements
Teamwork, personal discipline, Improved Morale, Quality Circle,
Suggestion for improvement
• Concept
PDCA,5S, Quality Circle and Just in time Production
• Role Players
Top, Middle and lower level Management
• Approach
Management, Group and Individual Oriented Kaizen

5. Under One Roof
Just In time Quality Circle Value Stream Mapping
Zero defects Total Quality Control 5S
Quality Improvement Six Sigma Robotics
Quality Improvement Automation Customer Orientation
Total Productive Maintenance New product Development

6. Process
Standardize
operation
Measure
Standardize
current
new methods
operation
Compare
Innovate to
measures
meet
with
requirements
requirements

7. A Big Picture
Key Benefits of Kaizen Widely applicable
• Can be used in both manufacturing and non-manufacturing
environments Highly effective & results oriented
• Kaizen events will generate quick results, Measurable results, Establish
the baseline, and measure the change Higher operational efficiency
• Reduces wastage, like inventory waste, time waste, workers motion
Improves space utilization and product quality
• A Learning Experience – Every member of a Kaizen Team will walk
away from the event learning something new.
• Encourages big picture thinking Results in higher employee morale
and job satisfaction, and lower turn-over.

8. In a nutshell
 Get Rid Of All Old Assumptions.
 Don't Look For Excuses, Look For Ways To Make Things Happen.
 Say "No" To The Status Quo.
 Don't Worry About Being Perfect - Even If You Only Get It Half Right " Start Now!
 It Does Not Cost Money To Do Kaizen.
 If Something Is Wrong "Fix It Now.
 Good Ideas Flow When The Going Gets Tough.
 Ask "Why" Five Times - Get To The Root Cause.
 Look For Wisdom From Ten People Rather Than One.
 Never Stop Doing Kaizen.

9. References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaizen
www.wikipedia.org www.howstuffworks.com Masaaki Imai(1986).
www.icmrindia.org
www.toyota.com