Operational Excellence Through GEMBA Walk

Gemba Walk is a lean management technique that is used to observe and improve processes and operations in an organization. The term "Gemba" is a Japanese word that refers to the "real place" where work is done. The purpose of a Gemba Walk is to physically visit the work area and observe the actual processes and operations in order to identify opportunities for improvement.

The effect of Gemba Walk on continuous improvement and operational excellence can be significant. By physically visiting the work area and observing processes and operations, leaders and managers can gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day operations, identify problems, and find ways to improve processes. This helps to drive continuous improvement and increase operational efficiency, which can lead to increased productivity, better quality, and reduced waste.

Gemba Walks also foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication and collaboration between leaders, managers, and employees. They can help to create a shared understanding of the organization's goals and objectives, and provide a platform for employees to share their ideas and suggestions for improvement.

let's spread the quality culture by sharing our knowledge and insights please share your insights in the comments.

Below is an example scenario case in which a Gemba Walk led to quality improvement:

A company that produces consumer electronics had a problem with a high defects rate of their products. They decided to conduct a Gemba Walk in the production line to identify the root cause of the problem and find ways to improve quality.

The following are 7 key steps for conducting an effective Gemba Walk:

How often you should conduct GEMBA Walk?

The frequency of Gemba Walks can vary depending on the organization's needs and goals. Some organizations conduct Gemba Walks on a weekly or monthly basis, while others may do them quarterly or as needed.

For organizations that are just starting with Gemba Walks, it's often recommended to conduct them regularly, such as once a week, to build momentum and establish a culture of continuous improvement. As the organization becomes more comfortable with the process, the frequency of Gemba Walks can be adjusted based on the results and feedback received.

In some cases, organizations may conduct Gemba Walks more frequently in areas that are experiencing problems or in areas that are undergoing significant changes.

For example, if a new production line is being introduced, the organization may conduct Gemba Walks more frequently to monitor the implementation of the new line and identify areas for improvement.

Ultimately, the frequency of Gemba Walks should be tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the organization. It's important to conduct them regularly enough to ensure that progress is being made and to identify opportunities for improvement in a timely manner, but not so frequently that they become a burden or interrupt the flow of work.

The output from GEMBA Walk:

There is typically a record or report generated as an output from a Gemba Walk. The purpose of the report is to document the findings and recommendations from the walk and to communicate the results to relevant stakeholders.

The contents of the report can vary, but typically it includes the following information:

1. Objective of the Gemba Walk: A clear statement of the purpose and goal of the walk.
2. Work area: A description of the work area where the walk was conducted.
3. Observation and findings: A summary of the observations made during the walk, including any issues or problems that were identified.
4. Root cause analysis: An analysis of the root cause of the issues or problems identified during the walk.
5. Recommendations: A list of recommendations for improvement, including specific actions that can be taken to resolve the issues or problems identified.
6. Action plan: A plan for implementing the recommendations, including timelines, responsibilities, and expected outcomes.
7. Follow-up: A plan for follow-up and continuous improvement, including a schedule for monitoring the progress of the action plan and for conducting future Gemba Walks.

The report serves as a valuable tool for communicating the results of the Gemba Walk to relevant stakeholders and for tracking the progress of the improvements made. It also provides a record of the improvements made and can be used to support ongoing continuous improvement efforts.

let's spread the quality culture by sharing our knowledge and insights please share your insights in the comments.

Below also is a good example video shows a GEMBA walk in real life:

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