Kaizen Action Sheet System
Within the context of the Lean Daily Management System, the Kaizen Action Sheet (KAS) System captures, submits and manages small improvement ideas and then tracks them through to closure. One of the truest manifestations of the concept of Kaizen, KAS can be applied to any work environment.
The Kaizen Action Sheet (KAS) is a single piece of paper (see below) that provides a way for individuals to suggest process improvements within their work area. The document is simple.
About the Kaizen Action Sheet System
Any member of a workgroup can submit a KAS. It is entered into a folder on the Primary Visual Display (PVD) Board then, the supervisor or team leader reviews the idea with the workgroup during the daily shift start-up meeting. Once agreed, the KAS moves sequentially through a series of folders on the PVD as the idea is implemented by the workgroup. Kaizen Action Sheet activities are tracked and posted to the PVD.
The Kaizen Action Sheet System gives natural work teams a way to charter themselves into small projects and captures several important concepts. It:
- Is a tangible structured way to engage individuals and teams in improvement activities. In this way it is a primary means of engagement
- Is a visible improvement activity and one that managers can support and reinforce
- Delivers improvements that are relevant for the user – one of the most important aspects of any continuous improvement systems
Kaizen Action Sheets are monitored as they move through according to the following sequence:
- Blank – So everyone can start one at any time
- Submitted – Waiting for approval by the team to move forward
- Working – Agreed to take action and assigned to a champion
- Resolved – Idea is implemented
The Kaizen Action Sheet System is part of the Lean Daily Management System (LDMS). It is the primary technique for activation of Kaizen: small, incremental improvements and is a powerful engagement mechanism that allows individuals and teams to directly impact process performance.
Learn more about the Kaufman Global and the Lean Daily Management System here: Kaufman Global Services
And here: The Missing Link of Lean Success
Want some help with Kaizen Action Sheets? Contact Kaufman Global.
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