It takes small steps to improve in a sustainable and continuous fashion. Take the first step by discovering the art of the Kaizen Way in this blog post.

1. MASTERINGTHEARTOF
CONTINUOUSIMPROVEMENT

2. Imagine you hit pause on
your business operations right
now. Would your team be
able to readily identify room
for improvement, develop a
viable solution, and
implement it before your very
eyes?
No, it’s not a pipe dream. It’s
the Kaizen Way; businesses
that follow this methodology
are able to achieve the
aforementioned scenario
again and again to generate
visible results.
Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
Here’s how to improve with
the Kaizen Way and become
a master of productivity.

3. ABOUTTHE
KAIZENWAY

4. Continuous improvement lies at the heart of the Kaizen methodology
and what makes it different from your usual self-improvement
methods is that it focuses on sustainability. Thus, changes are made in
a systematic way and integrated into the daily operations of a business
(or the regular activities of an individual).
Instead of launching a complete and immediate overhaul, the Kaizen
methodology centers its approach on small, achievable steps. The
steps build upon each other for an overall increase in effectiveness.

5. The term “Kaizen,” has roots in Sino-Japanese and translates as
“change for the better.” The philosophy is most often associated with
the Toyota Production System. It is used to facilitate the detection of
errors by employees. Employees are encouraged to pinpoint room for
improvement in the production process and make suggestions to
bring about that improvement.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of the Kaizen philosophy is the
flexibility of implementation. Organizations can readily make
incremental changes that fit their current operations without having
to revamp their processes completely. To implement continuous
improvement in your workplace, sign up for NWCPE’s “Learning to
Improve- the Kaizen Way” course at Portland State University,
scheduled to begin April 1.

6. THESEVENPHASES
OFTHEKAIZENCYCLE

7. The Kaizen methodology isn’t just a way of thinking. It provides real
steps to make continuous improvement achievable. These steps are
referred to as the phases of the Kaizen cycle. The cycle instructs
individuals on how to identify opportunities for improvement as well
as develop and implement solutions.

8. THESEVENPHASES
AREASFOLLOWS:

9. 1.PINPOINTTHEOPPORTUNITYFOR
IMPROVEMENT

10. 2.REVIEWANDANALYZETHEPROCESSAT
HAND

11. 3.CREATETHEMOSTEFFECTIVESOLUTION

12. 4.PUTTHESOLUTIONINTOEFFECT

13. 5.ANALYZETHERESULTS

14. 6.REGULATEANDPERFECTTHESOLUTION

15. 7.PREPAREFORFUTURESTEPS

16. As you can see, these steps are ones that will work for just about any
industry and organization. The clear layout of the phases provides a
roadmap to continuous improvement. NWCPE offers on-site
training in business performance and transformation tailored for
the needs of your organization. Reach out to us today to begin your
path to continuous improvement.

17. GETTINGLEANWITH
KAIZEN

18. The Lean methodology eliminates non-value added tasks, reduces
waste, and increases efficiency. To do so, continuous improvement
must take place. The 7 phases of the Kaizen cycle can be used to
eradicate the 7 types of waste as defined by Lean.

19. When combined, Lean and the Kaizen Way generate increased
operational efficiencies, optimal business operations, and the
preservation of vital resources. Overall, the Kaizen Way provides a
sound method of improvement, which facilitates the development of a
Lean pathway. Ready to foster continuous improvement in your
organization? Learn more about the Kaizen Way and Lean by
contacting NWCPE to discuss consulting services.