All innovations and improvements start with everyone in the organization becoming aware of the need for change and the role each will play in the realization of that change. The most important step is to begin by catching people's attention and raising their awareness.

Lean manufacturing means more than changing production methods. The awareness for change must begin at the top of the company and establish a sense of urgency that "trickles" down to the next level and ultimately to the shop floor. There are many ways to start this chain-reaction (in-house training, team building work shops, shop floor study or work teams, etc.) The one key element is that it must be fully understood that the status quo is not enough to ensure the company's survival in the future.

Kaizen (continuous improvement) is a cross functional team activities.  Through which employees can identify problems, brainstorm ideas for improvement and implement the ideas for solving the problems.  This activity allows employees to involve in improving the processes and enhance their sense of urgency to change.