The Kaizen – Toyota KATA method

Abstract

Kaizen is a tool in line with [Lean management]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_manufacturing. The word “kaizen” is Japanese for "continuous improvement". The objective of Kaizen is to create a culture of continuous improvement and a structure around how it can be done. The Kaizen process is followed daily and when done correctly, it humanises the workplace by eliminating the overly hard work and giving people purpose. In order to keep momentum in Kaizen activities in the long run, companies need to ensure sufficient leadership coaching and staff training as well as develop appropriate KPIs to act upon, which are in line with the company’s overall strategy. This is where Toyota Kata comes into the picture. The Toyota Kata method helps managers create a routine on how they can coach employees to think solutions beyond the usual. This article states that exactly this approach of pushing people to think beyond the usual solutions in combination with key process information makes innovation and improvement inevitable. The article starts out by elaborating on the Toyota Kata method and later describes the processes and tools needed to use it successfully. The current and future applications of the method are discussed and finally benefits and limitations are outlined.