7 Kaizen tools to reduce waste and improve Lean Process

The ultimate goal of applying lean tools in your manufacturing process is to eliminate the seven wastes. It is essential to understand how each one of the devices would help in facilitating and achieving the process of optimization. The objective of this article is to explain how your team’s time and the resources can put into best use with these Kaizen tools covering the Kaizen events. The devices, which this article covered are:

1. VSM

The primary function, which a value stream mapping tool does is to identify the wastages, probe further as to what causes them and take up measures for improvement. It does this through an analysis of the flow of materials and information. The material analysis will not restrict to just value-adding activities alone, but the non-value adding ones also as this helps in understanding the core structure of product flow. Thus, it is a tool that not only helps in making observations but providing clues to take corrective actions.

2. SIPOC

Because it takes into account the suppliers, inputs, process, output, and customers, it acquires the character of a cross-functional tool, which recognizes interdependency between them while carrying out the methods. It helps in the diagnosis of work-flow issues, which can be used to improve the work procedures, elimination of zero-value activities, and optimization of process cycle time.

3. Fishbone Diagrammatic Approach

This a logical tool that comes to your rescue when your production is stuck with a problem. In such a situation, it helps to identify the possible reasons that had caused the problem by dividing them into manageable parts. Each of the issues is further examined to find a minimum of 5 contributing factors. This approach produces an extensive list of possible causes and provides a comprehensive picture, which makes it feasible to tackle and eliminate them. However, due to the nature of requiring an exhaustive analysis, it should be used in critical instances only that is when other tools are not enough.

4. Pareto Analysis

Pareto Analysis is commonly referred to as an ‘80/20’ rule and is a technique, which is used to figure out top problems. It must handle on a top priority, i.e., they should treat first. However, a Pareto chart or diagram is used to depict the big-ticket problems. And at a single glance, your management team would be able to find out which ones need to address at once. It is considered to be one of the best problem-solving tools in Kaizen events.

5. 5S

As the name suggests, this Japanese tool focuses on five aspects, VIZ,

• Sort
• Straighten
• Shine
• Standardize
• Sustain

In its category, it is a popular tool for addressing the concerns relating to Kaizen events. It is because it facilitates the achieving of total quality management by bringing in cost reduction, ensuring safety, standardization, and timely delivery.

6. Target Progress Report

Perhaps, this tool is simple for a reason it performs a smooth function, which is to track the progress daily vis-a-vis the targets. It helps those responsible for achieving the production targets to know where they stand at the end of the workday, concerning what they have targeted for production.

7. Kaizen Newspaper

Although the name suggests a different meaning, in reality, it is nothing but a document that records the accomplishments to date. It does this by providing a detailed account of objectives, problems, workforce who have been assigned to solve those problems and the due dates for delivery. The utility of these tools lies in its providing a quick snapshot of the status of the current progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we may note that the scope of Kaizen is so vast that there are several tools. In which your production team can pick based on your specific needs. Nonetheless, the specialty of these seven tools lies in the fact that with the application of the Kaizen events. Tends to become more organized, and you can make the difference to your overall performance that improves your manufacturing processes, productivity, and profitability.

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