Fast Track to Waste-Free Manufacturing

Introduction

The Revolution Has Just Begun

THOUSANDS OF COMPANIES in the United States have been exposed to what has come to be termed world class manufacturing, and more recently lean manufacturing. This has been achieved through a practice referred to as kaizen or just-in-time manufacturing (JIT). Those who have some knowledge of kaizen and JIT understand they are not mutually exclusive processes and were, in fact, designed to complement each other.

Kaizen is a Japanese term which loosely translated means continuous improvement. The practice of kaizen involves accepting that absolutely no process is perfect, including those in the office areas. Kaizen enthusiasts contend there is always room for improvement, even though it may be very minor. ...