In the business world, a common phrase says what gets measured gets managed. So what will happen to the ones that can’t be measured? For a clearer picture, you need to see them. If you encounter such a case, you need to visit the source regularly to determine the cause of the problem in order to find a solution.
In the manufacturing industry, leading companies tend to embrace continuous improvement processes to enhance operational efficiency. Lean innovation and ideals help in the identification and creation of ways that will yield better results. However, there are those leaders that are disconnected.
Their policies and procedures can harm performance more than they help. For such leaders, there is a way to stay connected, and it is through regular visits to where the process occurs.
This post focuses on the Gemba walk. Read on to learn more about this lean assessment tool.
Gemba Walk
The program offers business leaders valuable insight into the flow of value within the company by visiting workstations and socializing with employees. Through lean practices, leaders can learn advanced ways of supporting their employees. This lean management approach creates positive collaboration between management and their working staff.
Gemba is a phrase originating from Japan, which means ‘the real place.’ In other words, it is where the actual work process takes place. A Gemba walk is a digital transformation that gives leaders unique opportunities to come out of the “ivory tower” and see how real work is done.
Component of a Gemba Walk
Gemba walks consist of the following components:
- See the workstation – Gemba walks have been created to motivate managers and other leaders to visit different workstations and learn about wasteful activities.
- Listen and discover – The primary goal of lean management research is to uncover problems in the value stream. As a leader, you need effective communication skills, not just commanding.
- Respect Individuals – A Gemba walk will enable you to uncover opportunities. As an employer, you need to make sure your employees feel safe. You are the boss.
Don’t misuse your authority by blaming your staff and pointing fingers at everyone. Some leaders are proficient at reviewing and judging results.
Successful leaders are ready to work with their lean innovation community and solve problems. Concentrate on the process and not on the workers.
How to do a Gemba Walk
To help you develop a productive production system design, here are the steps you should keep in mind.
Create a Plan
Before entering this new chapter, you must plan and know what to expect and accomplish. Write down your goals for a given area of your operation and a viewing plan for lean analytics. Through scope restrictions, you will stay focused and free from distractions.
Invite Others
Engage other leaders in your organization to participate in lean management research. Make contact with management engineers and passionate individuals.
These leaders will provide different perspectives and add value to the initiatives. When working with your management engineering team, please let them know the objective of the walk.
Ask Questions
Be ready to talk to your employees and listen to what they say. Pay a visit to the place where value is generated. The workers at this place clearly understand the challenges and opportunities of that particular niche.
Even though you and your team of lean analytics experts may be familiar with the process, visiting the Gemba and seeing it for yourself is an excellent idea.
Document and Listen
Remember, during this process, you are not allowed to implement anything. Your work is to walk, observe, and document. Implementation should be done after the walk. You can document by taking photos and videos, drawing diagrams, etc.
Have Regular Gemba Walks at Different Times
This process should be done regularly, not just once. By doing this, you and your team can maintain a strong foundation where value-creating work is performed. Gemba walks vary based on your business processes and how often you do them.
Dennis Yu an IoT development maestro, brings a blend of technical expertise and creative thinking to the tech world. With a passion for innovative solutions and a knack for making complex technology accessible, Dennis leads the way in IoT development, inspiring coders to embrace innovative approaches and create groundbreaking smart solutions.