What is a 'kaizen' event?

A 'kaizen' event refers to a concentrated effort to improve a specific process through small, incremental changes rather than large-scale shifts. The term "kaizen" itself comes from the Japanese words for "change" (kai) and "good" (zen), embodying the philosophy of continuous improvement. In a typical kaizen event, team members come together to analyze a process, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes that can lead to better efficiency, higher quality, and reduced waste.

During these events, participants often gather metrics, brainstorm solutions, and test new approaches in a collaborative environment. The focus is on involving everyone with knowledge of the process, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere, and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. This contrasts with the other options, which do not have the same direct application to process improvement in a manufacturing or operational context.