How do you ensure that your gemba and process observation results in actionable and sustainable improvements?

Below are some tips on the Gemba walk and continously improve and sustain the results: 1. Focus on small, incremental improvements rather than trying to tackle big changes all at once. 2. Involve the people who do the work in the observation and improvement process to ensure their perspectives are considered. 3. Prioritize observations based on impact and feasibility. 4. Collaborate with the team to develop and implement improvements. 5. Set clear goals and metrics to track progress. 6. Regularly follow up on improvements to ensure they are sustained. 7. Celebrate small wins to reinforce progress and motivation. 8. Conduct regular audits and display results Finally, it is always good idea to benchmark internally and externally.

Fact based scientific approach required and defining problem is first step to do so.Hence it's very important role of define phase in correct solution of problem. Direct jumping to solution before even identifying root cause is common issue in 80% of the cases.This need to be changed by increasing awareness about proper defining of the problems.

To ensure actionable and sustainable improvements from gemba and process observation we have to largely focus on data-driven insights & use tools like Vsm and process mapping to visualize findings. We have to prioritize improvement opportunities based on impact and feasibility so develop clear action plans with responsible parties and timelines. We can also involve the team in the implementation process & monitor progress & measure outcomes. Always celebrate successes and share learnings to sustain improvements. By adhering to these steps we can transform gemba observations into tangible results.

Ensuring that gemba (the place where the work is done) and process observation results in actionable and sustainable improvements in Six Sigma involves several key steps: Define Clear Objectives Engage Stakeholders Use Structured Observation Techniques Focus on Root Causes Capture Data and Evidence Prioritize Improvement Opportunities Collaborative Problem-Solving Implement Actionable Solutions Monitor and Measure Progress Continuously Improve By following these steps, you can ensure that gemba and process observation results lead to actionable and sustainable improvements in Six Sigma, driving organizational excellence and performance excellence over the long term.

ahhh prepare a checklist!!! I personally don't like that approach at it can lead people to only focus on what is on the list. I much prefer to establish clear goals for the observation without specifying what to look at for. This approach may require a greater maturity but I find it helps keep an open mind and not to miss anything. A good way to approach this is also to create teams of observers, one experienced and one who is starting at process improvement. Both will see different things but together they can coach each other in what they are seeing and how it's impacting the process.

To capture the observations, I prefer a pen and paper, my phone to take pictures, dictate comments or perform time studies. I let the work be done and don't disrupt the team members while they are working. I will however write down my questions with what I saw so that I can ask them later. Performing observations is the same as the anthropologist dilemma. When we are interacting with the people we are observing, we are changing their behaviour. We need to be as unobtrusive as possible so that the work is conducting as close to reality as possible.

Absolutely important to validate with the people who perform the work! As observers we don't know if what we saw is everyday occurence or just a one-off. Validating with the people is therefore critical. It also has to be treated as questions, not judgements. The more open the conversation is, the more information we can obtain from the people involved. I also like to ask them their opinions on why such things happen and what ideas or solutions they think could benefit the issue. They often have great ideas that lead us down a good path.

Sustaining starts with a communication and training plan. Communicating what we learned during the project, the solutions that we have tested and implemented as well as the experience of the team helps build the culture of Continuous Improvement, helps share the success of the team and encourages others to participate. Training the people who are closely involved with the process as well as those who are upstream and downstream of the process is important so that they understand what has been changed and why. This also helps show that the process changes were made to benefit the process as whole and the problems were not just shoved elsewhere in the process.