How do you involve stakeholders in a kaizen event?

1 Identify the problem and scope

Before you start a kaizen event, you need to have a clear problem statement and a well-defined scope. The problem statement should describe the current situation, the desired outcome, and the gap between them. The scope should specify the process, area, or product that you want to improve, as well as the boundaries, constraints, and assumptions. You can use tools such as SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) or value stream mapping to help you identify the problem and scope. You should also involve your stakeholders in this step, as they can provide valuable insights, feedback, and suggestions.

2 Select the team and roles

Once you have the problem and scope, you need to select the team and roles for your kaizen event. The team should consist of 5 to 10 people who represent different functions, levels, and perspectives related to the process. You should also include the process owner, the customer, and the supplier, if possible. The roles for your kaizen event include the sponsor, who provides the vision, resources, and support; the facilitator, who guides the team through the improvement methodology; the team leader, who coordinates the team activities and communication; and the team members, who participate in the analysis, brainstorming, and implementation. You should also assign specific tasks and responsibilities to each role and communicate them clearly.

3 Prepare the agenda and materials

The next step is to prepare the agenda and materials for your kaizen event. The agenda should outline the objectives, activities, and timeline for each day of the event. You should also prepare the materials, such as data, tools, templates, and supplies, that you will need for the event. You should involve your stakeholders in this step, as they can help you gather the data, validate the tools, and review the templates. You should also communicate the agenda and materials to your stakeholders before the event and solicit their feedback and input.

4 Conduct the event and implement the solutions

The core step of a kaizen event is to conduct the event and implement the solutions. During the event, you should follow the improvement methodology, such as DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) or PDCA (plan, do, check, act), to identify the root causes, generate ideas, test solutions, and implement changes. You should involve your stakeholders in this step, as they can contribute to the problem-solving, decision-making, and action-taking. You should also monitor the results, document the findings, and celebrate the achievements.

5 Follow up and sustain the improvements

The final step of a kaizen event is to follow up and sustain the improvements. After the event, you should review the outcomes, evaluate the performance, and identify the gaps and opportunities. You should also involve your stakeholders in this step, as they can provide feedback, suggestions, and support. You should also create a control plan, a standard work, and a communication plan to ensure that the improvements are maintained and communicated. You should also recognize and reward your stakeholders for their participation and contribution.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?