Applying Lean Thinking: The Art of Going to Gemba

By James Lewis and David Irwin

Do you know where all of the improvement opportunities are in your company? Do you know how the Seven Deadly Wastes are consuming your valuable resources and preventing your company from being the best it can be? If you don't know the Art of Going to Gemba (the place where work is done) you can't answer those questions with an emphatic "YES!" In this series of eBooklets, Applying Lean Thinking, we provide the means for you to: identify waste; learn how to measure success; define the value streams of information and materials that will create flow; go to Gemba to "see" improvement opportunities, and much more. This is not a self-help series, but rather a means for Lean practioners to ensure a self-perpetuating continuation of their current Lean journey. In this eBooklet we provide a means for you to test your Gemba skills through three videos of actual processes. View the videos again and again to hone your Gemba skills. Spending quality time in Gemba doesn't mean the typical cursory walk-through that you probably do multiple times a day. It means a deliberate observation of the work place from a strategic spot where you can see all of the exchanges of materials and information. Quality time in Gemba is at least 30 minutes in one location observing and absorbing all of the activities that are taking place. Going to Gemba is not about fixing things "on the spot" it is about noting all of the opportunities for improvement, and prioritizing them for your team to improve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Lewis
• Release date: Oct 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311129840

James Lewis

JAMES W. LEWIS is a novelist and freelance writer published in several books that include Zane’s Caramel Flava, Chicken Soup for the Soul (two series), Gumbo for the Soul, Truth Be Told: Tales of Life, Love and Drama and Don’t Forget your Pepper Spray. Magazine credits include 3AM Magazine, Eyeshot, Dare Magazine, Naptural Roots Magazine, Lucrezia Magazine, Circle Magazine, Rundu Bedtime Stories and an upcoming article in the fitness magazine AFAA. His debut novel SELLOUT will launch in July 2010. After spending twenty years in the Navy, James retired from active duty and now moonlights as a personal trainer while completing his studies in Kinesiology. In addition to writing, he loves to DJ and has a collection of over 300 vinyl records. He also does extensive volunteer work at a local veterans assistance center. James hopes to resume his role as a Big Brother in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters program soon.

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Applying Lean Thinking - The Art of Going to Gemba

By Jim Lewis and Dave Irwin

Distributed by Smashwords

© 2015 Lewis and Irwin

Smashwords Edition, License Note

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the authors.

Cover by Jason Blackburn

Contact the Authors through The Center for Lean Learning website or at [e-mail]

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Art of Going to Gemba

Gemba Walk Process

Walking the Gemba Walk

Test Your Gemba Skills

Summary

Applying Lean Thinking

The Art of Going to Gemba

I came, I saw, I conquered

Julius Caesar

Introduction

The opening quote is attributed to Julius Caesar following one of his swift and complete victories over Pontus towards the end of his reign. That is what the quote is supposed to imply - Swift and Complete. It doesn't quite fit the intent of this eBooklet, but the point is that if Julius Caesar, while commanding the Roman Army, hadn't gone to where the fighting was taking place to personally observe, contribute, and coordinate the actions, there may not have been a victory at