Gemba – A Powerful Piece of your Lean Toolbox

Lean manufacturing has a toolbox filled with tools and strategies that work to reduce wastes, involve workers from levels, and improve a facility’s efficiency. One of the most commonly used tools is Gemba. Gemba is a Japanese word meaning “the real place.” Taking a Gemba walk means walking around a specific area to observe processes up close and talk to workers. When company leaders observe what’s actually going on in the production process, it can lead to solutions and innovations to makes the processes more efficient.

There is no wrong way to take a Gemba walk, but if it’s your fist walk this infographic is chock full of suggestions including preparing for a Gemba walk, things to do during the walk, and actions take following the walk. With this advice we hope you will be prepared to implement Gemba walks in your facility!