Gemba Glossary
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Most Popular Lean Terms

3P Production Preparation Process
3P tackles workplace waste, quality issues, and production processes from a different, more forceful angle.
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5S
Eliminate waste and optimize productivity with the 5s methodology.
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5S in the Office
Create and maintain a safe, clean, and productive workspace by eliminating physical and mental waste.
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A3 Problem Solving
Done right, A3 gives organizations a path toward faster, better decision making and more efficient processes, and helps nurture a collaborative culture.
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ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)
Featured in many statistical problem-solving methodologies like Design of Experiments, Regression, and Measurement Systems Analysis.
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Built-in Quality
Place continuous improvement at the center of your entire production process, ensuring quality is built into the process—and products—from the get-go.
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Business Process Mapping
Identify gaps, problems, and missed opportunities in existing workflows.
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Hoshin Planning
Tackle long-term strategic goals through day-to-day operations, built-in review processes, and training activities that support continuous improvement.
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Kaizen
The cornerstone of improvement methods, go deeper into the meaning behind Kaizen.
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Kanban
A powerful Lean strategy that helps organizations clarify tasks and streamline work processes.
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Lean Accounting
Create consumer value, align the business around its value streams, and empower employees at all levels to drive sustained, continuous improvement.
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Lean Daily Management
A system that ensures that work is done the right way, at the right time, so that an organization hits its target objectives.
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Obeya
A method of communication, cross-functional cooperation, and decision-making.
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Practical Problem Solving
The eight-step process for implementing the incremental improvements characteristic of any Lean management program.
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Process Capability
Continuous improvement practice that uses statistical techniques to quantify the extent to which a stable process meets end user requirements.
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Quick Changeover/SMED System
The process of reducing changeover time, helping companies keep up with customer demand, reduce inventory, save time and eliminate waste.
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Standard Work
The practice of establishing, communicating, maintaining, and improving workplace standards, a core fundamental of Lean management.
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The 7 Basic Quality Control Tools
Widely used in Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to quickly find and fix problems.
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The 7 Deadly Wastes of Lean
By identifying waste, employees have a starting point for optimizing processes.
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Total Productive Maintenance
A Lean philosophy that aims to achieve perfect production.
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Toyota Kata
Bring scientific thinking to your improvement efforts. Plus learn to be a more effective coach.
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Training Within Industry (TWI)
Proven methods for improving on the job training, management and conflict resolution.
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Value Stream Management
Improving the flow through the value stream requires breaking down traditional organizational boundaries or “silos” and seeing work from the customer’s perspective.
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Value Stream Mapping
A Lean management tool with the potential to tear down departmental silos, reduce waste, and exceed customer demands.
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