Orgatex is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of industrial Visual Communication systems. Our Visual Communication and material flow management systems are designed to help logistics and manufacturing companies continuously improve their efficiency and output.
Kaizen and other Lean Management methods are implemented across production, manufacturing and logistics to help with efficiency and communication within their respective industries. But, what are the best ways to implement Lean Management and achieve continuous improvement?
Continuous improvement can be achieved through:
- using communication to create continuous improvement culture;
- eliminating processes that don’t add value;
- implementing change;
- leading by example;
- encouraging change and celebrating improvement.
These 5 improvements, once implemented, can create a continuous improvement culture in your workplace. But what exactly do we mean by ‘continuous improvement'?
What Is Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)?
Continuous improvements are small, incremental improvements made to a business's operations that increase efficiency and output. These aren’t limited to simply speeding up processes. They can include reviewing processes that don’t add value, receiving and receiving feedback, leading by example or improving engagement through clear communication. These improvements should be made over time and eventually incorporated across every aspect of your business.
A key part of continuous improvement is based on efficient and effective communication with the goal of removing wasted energy and improving efficiency.
Let’s delve into 5 key areas of continuous improvement that apply to any industry and see how they can improve workplace outcomes.
5 Ways To Implement a Continuous Improvement Culture
Use communication to create a continuous improvement culture
Communication is key in the workplace. However, when we talk about communication, we don’t only focus on efficient verbal or electronic communication. Having effective signage offering clear instructions to your employees is often the difference within an efficient workplace. This is known as creating a Visual Factory.
Implementing effective communication methods can help in areas of snagging, storage, waste and caution, which are all areas that are key to continuous improvement. This is a goal of Kaizen Production.
‘Kaizen Production’ (Japanese meaning is ‘good change’) is a Lean Management methodology used to create a continuous improvement culture. It achieves this by prioritising clear communication between staff and the areas in which they work. Efficient communication for Kaizen can be implemented with:
- quick and efficient floor markings;
- the use of indicative coloured tape;
- Kanban systems;
- clear storage labelling.
Using these elements of clear communication can cut down on lost time within your operation, vastly improving efficiency in your workplace.
Eliminate Processes That Don’t Add Value
Finding and eliminating processes that don’t add value to your business should be a collaborative effort. We aren’t trying to point fingers or remove large portions of your workforce.
Continuous improvement should focus on all processes and assess them from the perspective of their value. If an aspect of your business no longer adds value, consider reducing its capacity, budget or influence on other aspects of your business.
As a part of Lean Management, you should review areas that:
- produce defects due to poor quality control or inaccurate stock levels;
- allow inventory waste such as overproduction of goods;
- waste talent and skills that would be better used elsewhere;
- overproduce;
- waste time;
- require excess processing;
- lack organisation;
- require excess movement.
It may also be worth reviewing your core company values with your workforce. Understanding, re-establishing and re-strategising your company values can realign your staff with your intended goals/outcomes.
Review key aspects of Lean Management over at our methodologies page.
Implement Change
Once you have identified areas that need improvement and reviewed your systems in place, you can start to implement changes to your workplace. This can be achieved over several weeks, months or years. However, try to remember that you are making incremental changes to your organisation.
Continuous improvement methods should be handed down to the managers of key areas of your workplace to implement, allowing them to become key actors in changes where you encourage their feedback on existing processes in place.
Your workers will know key areas where improvements need to be made. Allow them to raise their concerns about current methods and see how this can be improved.
The 5S Method, created by Toyota, is a method brought about to help implement continuous improvement through positive action.
- Sort
- Set in order
- Shine
- Standardise
- Sustain
If you are implementing new, clear signage or Kanban systems into your workplace, following the 5S method has been proven to help implement change. This works in manufacturing and logistics organisations by promoting clear and organised environments that all members of the organisation can work towards.
Lead By Example
Once changes have been made, encouraging engagement and understanding should be prioritised. Share your understanding of Lean Management methods with your staff to help them better understand how these new systems will help with their daily lives.
Leading by example should be at the forefront of your priorities when implementing new systems or ways of working. Incremental changes are made over a sustained period of time. It should be your duty to keep up this sustained approach by leading your team with new ways of working.
You can communicate behavioural feedback to your team using visual boards. This helps create responsibility, accountability and achievement for your team. It also helps promote clear instructions to group members as a whole.
Encourage Change And Celebrate Improvement
Encouragement and good feedback should be ways in which you sustain improvements. If a new system is introduced, encourage your team to work with it and help them understand why it has been implemented. Make note of how it is positively affecting your workforce and make time to review, with them, improvements to their day-to-day lives.
Remember, continuous improvements will help your team become more productive and efficient and often reduce their feelings of stress caused by wasted time and effort. This will likely have a positive impact on them.
Make sure to review your new systems and methods in their periodic reviews. If reviewing the layout of one area has had a positive impact on one area, maybe it should be implemented elsewhere for a similar effect.
Creating Continuous Improvement with Orgatex UK
The benefits of Lean Management, 5S methodology, creating a Visual Factory and Kaizen have been noted over many years of industry and are proven to work in small, medium or international-sized organisations.
Orgatex is a manufacturer and distributor of products geared towards these methodologies. If you are looking to implement these, don't hesitate to contact us to see how we can help you implement these continuous improvement methods across your workplace.
