Kaizen – definition and origin

Kaizen is a Japanese concept that means continuous improvement. It is made up of the Japanese words “Kai” (change) and “Zen” (for the better) and literally means “change for the better”. Kaizen was first introduced in Japanese industry after the Second World War and has been an integral part of lean management and the Toyota Production System ever since.

Application and principles

Kaizen aims to eliminate waste and optimize processes to increase efficiency and quality. It can be applied to various areas, including manufacturing, healthcare, psychotherapy and even daily life. A key feature of Kaizen is the involvement of all employees in the improvement process. This promotes a culture of continuous improvement and commitment at all levels of the organization.

Kaizen approaches and methods

Kaizen can be divided into two main approaches: Point Kaizen and System Kaizen. Point kaizen refers to quick, small improvements that can be implemented immediately, while system kaizen requires more comprehensive, strategic planning to address system-wide issues. The principles of Kaizen include understanding customer needs, striving for continuous flow, employee empowerment and transparency in all processes.

Meaning and advantages of Kaizen

The principles of Kaizen are crucial to the success of a continuous improvement culture and contribute to the long-term competitiveness of an organization. Through continuous improvement, companies can increase their efficiency, reduce costs and improve the quality of their products and services.