There is much confusion around Lean tools and the practice of a Gemba walk. Most commonly, leaders sometimes confuse a Gemba walk with the philosophy of Managing By Walking Around (MWBA). The two philosophies are truly in opposite camps, without similarity. Gemba walk denotes the action of going to see the process, understand the work, […]
Gemba is a key principle in lean manufacturing. These articles describe how to apply principle of the Gemba to improve the customer experience
Andon System: What Does It Tell You?
What does your Andon System tell you? Typically, it is a manufacturing process that says there is something wrong and your attention is wrong. The word Andon simply means ‘lantern.’ Just like any other light, its presence tells us of a problem. But is it the act of the light or is it what the […]
Lean Leadership: 5 Secrets to Success
Creating an Environment of Success Lean leadership is a valuable but sometimes elusive quality in managers. Yes, managers and leaders can completely miss having the necessary skills and still maintain their positions. Some develop these skills through experience and education, but still miss that key element that makes them great. Then there are the few […]
Gemba Walks: Do You Walk the Walk?
Do you walk the walk or are you all talk? Understanding Gemba and the true purpose of Gemba Walks is crucial. Gemba is “where the work is done” or better yet, the “real place.” A Gemba Walk then is just simply a “walk where it is done.” This process is simple and straightforward. It is […]
Lean Software Development: Seeing the IT and Software Development Gemba
This article explains Kanban Software Development Gemba and why you should care. It’s a guest post from Jason Yip. I’m pleased to present this guest post from Jason Yip, a respected thought-leader on Agile and Lean Software Development. Jason Yip is a Principal Consultant for ThoughtWorks, a global IT consulting firm. You may learn more about […]
Lean Manufacturing Concepts: The Gemba
Publishers send me a lot of books, magazines, etc., and I’m thankful for all of it. Understandably, I can’t and won’t read everything I’m sent. From time to time, I do receive a book for which I’m excited. This is one of those times. Last week, my copy of Jim Womack’s Gemba Walks arrived at […]
Before Checking Email, Go To The Gemba
At work, before you do anything else, go see your customer (internal or external), go see your team or staff – see how they are doing, go see and spend time where the work is done. Guess who benefits the most when you do this? That’s right, you. By practicing “go and see” (genchi genbutsu) […]
The Gemba Dojo
The Term “Gemba Dojo” is not used often. When I have heard it used, it demonstrates a powerful visual connection and practical application. Let me explain. In my Wing Chun training, my Sifu emphasizes the “learn as you go” philosophy — that is, I learn the material slowly, but my way of learning is also […]
Toyota A3 Report Example [video]
![Toyota A3 Report Example [video]](http://www.shmula.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/a3-problem-solving-lean-manufacturing-lean-training-150x150.jpg)
Go here to see a video explanation of the A3 and also to get a Toyota A3 Template Download for Free. This article is about the Lean A3 Problem Solving Method, or sometimes called the Toyota A3 Report. Other articles on Lean Manufacturing can be found below. Continue past the Toyota House to read the […]
Bill Marriott Leadership: The Gemba Walk
Bill Marriott launched a blog yesterday — and, it’s very good. Why? Well, Bill Marriott Leadership lessons – how he applies the concept of the Gemba in his organization. Here is what is good about it: “Now I know this is where the action is if you want to talk to your customers directly — […]