Introduction
These following pages are only suggestions of how to use the principles of Kaizen in the process of becoming a Zero Waste Company. It is based on the concepts of Gemba Kaizen, so for a more ample explanation, please refer to the book Gemba Kaizen by Imai Masaaki.
What does the term Gemba Kaizen mean? Gemba means the actual working place where an operation takes place and Kaizen means continual improvement. So Gemba Kaizen means continual improvement of the operation site.
The basic idea behind the concept of Gemba Kaizen is that very simple tools and concepts can hold the key to substantial improvements in any large, complex operation any company may have. More important than anything else is the discipline and determination of all the people involved to apply these concepts and turn them into reality.
The principles behind Kaizen are in co-relation with those used to become Zero Waste, because the main goal of Kaizen is the same as the one in Zero Waste: to eliminate all types of waste from the all the processes and contribute to a more sustainable world.
In conclusion: The concept is a commonsense, low-cost approach to managing the workplace, by adding value to all the processes and eliminate all the waste. Anybody in any type of company or organization can apply these principles.
Zero Waste Kaizen (ZWK)
Mental Preparation before starting the research
and application of Zero Waste Kaizen
NEGATIVE MENTALITY
1) Trying to solve your problems with ever more sophisticated technologies.
2) Asking only certain people to change.
3) Thinking that an improvement process has a finite cycle and a final goal.
4) Thinking that only one person's idea is good and it applies to everybody.
5) Assuming the manager just gives orders and supervises, while the hands-on people just listen to what they're said and provide results.
6) Concentrating on the final results of a change.
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KAIZEN MENTALITY
1) Solve problems with simple, low-cost, common-sense changes.
2) The principles can be applied anywhere and by anybody.
3) Improvement is a process that never stops, it should continue forever in one form or another.
4) Everyone will continue to learn along with everyone else; not one person will have all the answers all the time.
5) Every person involved in the process, from manager to worker, must spend their time concentrating on solving the problem and not criticising, pointing fingers, blaming, shifting responsability etc.
6) Concentrating on the process itself inevitably leads to better results.