A Japanese term meaning "continuous improvement." It refers to the practice of making incremental improvements to processes, products, or systems over time.
5S is a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri (整理), seiton (整頓), seisō (清掃), seiketsu (清潔), and shitsuke (躾). These have been translated as 'sort', 'set in order', 'shine', 'standardize', and 'sustain'. The list describes how to organize a work space for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items, and sustaining the new organizational system. The decision-making process usually comes from a dialogue about standardization, which builds understanding among employees of how they should do the work.
PDCA stands for Plan-Do-Check-Act, and it's a widely used iterative four-step management method for continuous improvement and problem-solving in various industries. PDCA is also known as the Deming Cycle or the Shewhart Cycle, named after its contributors: Dr. W. Edwards Deming and Walter A. Shewhart. The method provides a structured framework for addressing challenges, making improvements, and ensuring sustained results.
The "Daily Management System" (DMS) is a management approach and framework that focuses on the daily operational aspects of an organization. It's designed to create a culture of continuous improvement, problem-solving, and collaboration at all levels by engaging employees in the ongoing monitoring and optimization of processes. The DMS aims to align daily activities with the organization's strategic goals and ensure that performance metrics are met consistently.
A "Problem Card" in the context of a production floor typically refers to a visual or written tool used to document and address issues or problems that arise during the manufacturing or production process. It is part of a larger methodology known as "Problem Solving" or "Continuous Improvement" in manufacturing, where teams work collaboratively to identify, analyze, and resolve issues that can affect product quality, efficiency, or safety.
An "Improvement Card" (IC) is a tool used in various industries and organizational contexts to initiate, track, and manage improvement initiatives. It is designed to facilitate the process of identifying areas for enhancement, planning improvement actions, and monitoring their progress. The concept of an Improvement Card aligns with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management.
The "Why-Why Analysis," also known as the "5 Whys," is a problem-solving technique used to identify the root causes of an issue by repeatedly asking "why" until the underlying cause is revealed. It was developed by Sakichi Toyoda and is a fundamental component of the Toyota Production System, which laid the foundation for Lean manufacturing and process improvement methodologies. The primary objective of the Why-Why Analysis is to uncover the deeper factors that contribute to a problem, rather than just addressing its surface symptoms. The process involves asking "why" repeatedly to explore the cause-and-effect relationships behind a problem. By digging deeper with each "why" question, you can uncover multiple layers of causation until you reach a point where further questioning isn't necessary because you've identified the root cause.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a structured method used to identify the underlying causes of problems, incidents, or failures, rather than just addressing their immediate symptoms. The goal of RCA is to get to the bottom of issues to prevent their recurrence by addressing the core factors that contribute to them. It's a crucial technique used in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, and project management, to improve processes, enhance quality, and ensure long-term solutions.
A Work Sequence Sheet (WSS) is a document used in various industries to provide detailed instructions and information about the steps required to complete a specific task, process, or project. It serves as a guide for individuals or teams performing the work, outlining the order of operations, materials required, tools to use, and any other relevant details. The purpose of a Work Sequence Sheet is to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in the execution of tasks.
A technical specification is a detailed and comprehensive document that describes all technical procedures related to product development. It covers all the vital, nitty-gritty information about the process of product development. The development team lead usually writes a technical specification.
A Quality Control Plan (QCP) is a document that outlines the systematic processes and procedures an organization follows to ensure that products or services meet established quality standards. The QCP is a key component of quality management and is used to guide and monitor activities related to quality assurance and quality control throughout the lifecycle of a project, product, or service. It provides a framework for managing and maintaining consistent quality levels, reducing defects, and meeting customer expectations.