![Lean Briefs Logo](images/logos/briefs1.gif) The
Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing & Factory Science
January
5, 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
All
The Best-
Quarterman
Lee
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