I am Addicted to Kaizen

I was first introduced to kaizen years ago and while I did like it I didn’t go overboard. I worked on a few point kaizen events but never really accomplished more than some nice 5S and a layout or two.

Then I was introduced to what some call “system” kaizen. This, my fellow addicts, is when kaizen wrapped its hands around my neck and wouldn’t let go.

You see, point kaizen is good. Anytime you make something better than it was you have done well. But until you look at things from a system perspective and then use point kaizen to help you close the gaps you will never experience the immense high kaizen can provide.

Kaizen, done right, is also quick. While you may identify a system kaizen that will take 2 months to realize your goals it should be comprised of multiple point kaizen’s that only take days to complete. It’s this immediate gratification of the point kaizen that keeps momentum going. And since you have an overall system kaizen perspective you know where to get your next fix.

Ron Pereira

Ron has more than 20 years of experience in various manufacturing, supply chain, and senior leadership roles. Ron has held the titles of process engineer, engineering manager, master black belt, and director of manufacturing & continuous improvement. In 2002 Ron was the first American to win the Nokia Global Six Sigma and Overall Quality award in Helsinki, Finland. Ron holds a bachelor's degree in automated manufacturing and an MBA in technology management.

Rob
November 29, 2007 - 2:39 pm
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I must confess I’m addicted to driving improvements in businesses as well (and I’ve tried several times to give up beer too but it’s just too damn nice!). Sounds like Mark needs to seek “help” as well:
http://www.leanblog.org/2007/01/healthy-addictions.html
mark graban
November 30, 2007 - 9:21 pm
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Ron – not really sure what you mean by “system kaizen”, can you explain?
Ron Pereira
December 1, 2007 - 8:28 am
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Hi Mark, scroll down a few posts to “Two Types of Kaizen” where I do my best to explain it.

I guess credit for the terms goes to the LEI guys (Rother, etc.) who wrote Learning to See. I think that is the first place I heard the words used.