How do you follow up and sustain the improvements after a Kaizen audit?

1 Assign responsibilities

One of the first steps after a Kaizen audit is to assign clear roles and responsibilities for implementing and monitoring the improvements. You need to have a leader or a team who is accountable for each action item, and who can communicate the progress and results to the rest of the organization. You also need to have a sponsor or a champion who can support and guide the leader or the team, and who can resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise.

2 Establish metrics and goals

Another important step is to establish measurable and realistic metrics and goals for the improvements. You need to have a way to track and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the changes you made during the Kaizen audit. You also need to have a baseline or a benchmark to compare the current state with the desired state. You can use tools such as control charts, dashboards, or scorecards to display and analyze the data and trends.

3 Provide feedback and recognition

A third step is to provide regular and constructive feedback and recognition to the people who are involved in the improvements. You need to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and achievements, and celebrate their successes. You also need to give them constructive feedback and coaching to help them overcome any challenges or difficulties, and to encourage them to keep improving. You can use tools such as gemba walks, huddles, or reviews to facilitate feedback and recognition.

4 Conduct follow-up audits

A fourth step is to conduct follow-up audits periodically to check and verify the sustainability and effectiveness of the improvements. You need to revisit the process or area that was audited, and compare the current state with the previous state and the desired state. You need to identify any gaps or deviations, and take corrective or preventive actions to address them. You also need to identify any new opportunities or areas for further improvement, and initiate new Kaizen audits or projects.

5 Promote a culture of Kaizen

A fifth step is to promote a culture of Kaizen throughout the organization. You need to foster a mindset and a behavior of continuous improvement among all the employees, and empower them to participate and contribute to the Kaizen process. You need to provide them with the necessary training, tools, and resources to enable them to identify and eliminate waste, improve quality, and increase efficiency. You also need to align the Kaizen goals and activities with the strategic vision and mission of the organization.