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Lean Briefing is intended only for those who request it.
Copyright 2003 Strategos, Inc. |
Strategos Lean BriefingThe Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing & Factory Science January 5, 2003 www.strategosinc.com Kaizen- What Does It Really Mean?Kaizen is a Japanese word that, generally, means “improvement”. In the U.S. it takes on several meanings with respect to manufacturing. Our latest White Paper explores the variations of Kaizen. These variations have important (but different) roles in a Lean Manufacturing strategy. You can find this on our website at: www.strategosinc.com/kaizen.htm One variation is the “Kaizen Event” or “Kaizen Blitz”. This is a short, intense and focused effort to locally improve a process. It is often useful for implementing workcells or improving setups. However, there are some dangers in the blitz. Our white paper “Is The Kaizen Blitz Right For You” explores the benefits and hazards. It has examples of success as well as failures. You can also find this on our website at: www.strategosinc.com/kaizen_blitz.htm All The Best- Quarterman Lee Please feel free to forward this Lean Briefing to colleagues or use it in your publication. We only ask that you do so in its entirety. |
