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Thoughts on
Optimizing
Results |
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An essential
part of continuous improvement |
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The Kaizen principals of continuous
improvement can be applied to all products, new and old.
Continuous improvement is an area where small changes can
net large results in profitability. These five principals are
also excellent companions to
Lean Design
concepts and apply to all organizations. |
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5 S's of
Kiazen continuous improvement |
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Seiri - Tidiness, organization |
Design can help reduce the number of
tools by using common fasteners, for example, while reducing the
number of components (lean design) facilitates a neater assembly
area. |
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Seiton - Orderliness |
While this is primarily focused on
arrangement of work areas, design principals that result in
fewer part movements, fewer tools, and fewer parts facilitate
orderly work spaces. |
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Seiso - Cleanliness |
Design of
product features that do not require unrestrained glue or
sealant application, or gaskets that eliminate paper scraps are
just a couple of examples where design can help here. |
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Seiketsu - Standards |
Consideration of
standard communications, documentation, and visual
identification can be incorporated in design processes to
improve performance. |
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Shitske - Discipline |
Discipline applied to the engineering and design
process and enforcing compliance with
the principals and standards developed are required in all
phases of product development. |
