Jidoka
Introduction Jidoka, a cornerstone principle in Lean manufacturing, represents a significant shift in the production process by integrating human intelligence with the mechanical process. Coined from Japanese origins, Jidoka, or ‘Autonomation’, denotes ‘automation with a human touch’. It’s a strategy aimed at enhancing quality and efficiency by halting production when a defect is detected. Thus, […]
Hoshin Kanri
Introduction Hoshin Kanri, also known as Policy Deployment, is a systematic approach within Lean management, aimed at ensuring that the strategic goals of a company are not only clear to every employee but also that they are driving progress and action at every level of the organization. This Japanese management strategy is essential for companies […]
Heijunka
Introduction In the pursuit of operational excellence, Heijunka, or production leveling, stands as a cornerstone in the realm of Lean management. It represents the balanced and rhythmic flow of production, eliminating the peaks and troughs that characterize traditional manufacturing. This strategic tool ensures a consistent and predictable production stream, enhancing efficiency and establishing harmony on […]
Gemba Walk
Introduction In the realm of Lean management, the Gemba Walk stands out as a transformative tool that encourages leaders to step out of their offices and engage with the front-line work environment. The term ‘Gemba’ translates to ‘the real place’ in Japanese, where the value is created and where the real action happens History and […]