The Kaizen system is a Japanese management system that involves all employees in a continuous improvement process across all areas of the company. Literally translated, Kai means “change” and Zen means “for the better.”

The Kaizen system aims to improve proven products in small steps rather than achieving sudden improvements through innovation. The primary focus is not on maximizing profits, but on the employees’ desire to perfect the production process and the existing product. The continuous involvement of employees and their suggestions for improvement is intended to increase their motivation and strengthen their identification with the company.

Goals of the Kaizen system

  • Quality assurance
  • Quality improvement
  • Cost reduction
  • Time efficiency

The ultimate goal is customer satisfaction and profit maximization.

Kaizen can be applied in the warehouse across all business processes, from goods receipt to goods issue. High material stocks, for example, require both space and money.

Therefore, perfection should always be strived for in terms of minimizing inventories and ensuring timely delivery of goods. The application of the Kaizen method thus represents an opportunity to improve quality management.

Information on a business analysis method can be found at XYZ analysis.

Image source: © Majo statt Senf, license: (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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