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The Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing Strategy
January 2003
www.strategosinc.com
Kaizen- What Does It
Really Mean?
Kaizen is a Japanese word that,
generally, means “improvement”. In the U.S. it takes on several meanings
with respect to manufacturing. Our latest White Paper explores the
variations of Kaizen. These variations have important (but different)
roles in a Lean Manufacturing strategy. You can find this on our website
at:
www.strategosinc.com/kaizen.htm
One variation is the “Kaizen Event”
or “Kaizen Blitz”. This is a short, intense and focused effort to
locally improve a process. It is often useful for implementing workcells
or improving setups. However, there are some dangers in the blitz. Our
white paper “Is The Kaizen Blitz Right For You?” explores the benefits
and hazards. It has examples of success as well as failures. You can
also find this on our website at:
www.strategosinc.com/kaizen_blitz.htm
Best Regards,
Quarterman Lee
qlee@strategosinc.com
You may forward Lean Briefing to colleagues or use it in your
publication. Please do so in its entirety.
©2007 Strategos, Inc.
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