People and organisations
In the Japanese organisation, the management of human resources is the most dynamic
and important source for future value, far more so than the management of key business
functions such as production, inventory and finance. An active kaizen environment
provides an organisation the means through which to integrate both the mental and
physical and the necessary change management to create a dynamic organisation that is
proactive and reactive to internal and external environmental changes. Within the
organisation, proactive prevention activity and reactive problem-solving activity are
possible through visual management tools and techniques. Production operating
efficiency, quality and safety are continually improved through active tools, including
analysis, feedback and clarification of operating methods. It is these tools that have been
embraced by the West. As kaizen integrates the individual with operations and operations
with the organisation, it becomes both pervasive and sustainable within that organisation.
Kaizen is then perpetuated through the manufacturing sector in Japan, the application
being unique at each site, but conceptually identical across the country.