Kaizen Implementation Framework for Small-Scale Industries: A Review

Abstract

Kaizen, which translates to "good change" or "improvement," is a philosophy based on the notion that gradual, tiny adjustments can eventually result in big gains. Kaizen places a strong emphasis on employee participation. Everyone contributes by making small adjustments for improvements in processes, quality, and productivity. Continuous improvement requires discipline, commitment, and a willingness to challenge existing practices. Kaizen also emphasizes eradicating waste, or "muda" as it is called in Japanese. To optimize value delivery and streamline operations, this involves identifying and eliminating pointless steps, excess inventory, and ineffective workflows. Beyond the manufacturing sector, kaizen is used in a variety of industries, including software development, services, and healthcare. Many organizations integrate Kaizen with concepts from Six Sigma and Lean, emphasizing continuous improvement as a core value for achieving operational excellence and long-term growth. This paper presents a structured framework for implementing Kaizen in small-scale industries, focusing on key action steps and methodologies to drive continuous improvement. The framework encompasses phases from selecting the target process to implementing improvement plans, emphasizing the importance of team collaboration, goal setting, process analysis, and systematic implementation. By following this framework, small-scale industries can effectively harness the principles of Kaizen to enhance productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.Cite as:

Ajay Anantrao Joshi, Chetan Kharabe, & Pranav Wankhade. (2024). Kaizen Implementation Framework for Small-Scale Industries: A Review. Journal of Advanced Research in Industrial Engineering, 6(2), 18–23. 

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11402362