Kaizen! Kaizen is a Japanese word. It means Continuous improvement. It is conceptualized for work places. It can be applied anywhere. But the techniques are mainly in context with the workplace. It works on the simple concept that there has to be continuous improvement in whatever we do. When we start something, it is not perfect. Rather than on perfection, we always work on setting the things up so that it is well run. Once you get the things under control, you should start looking for improvement in the activities. Kaizen is not for short term. The meaning of the word itself has Continuous in it. This means it works for long term. To start with, consider that we have the goal to up the production rate. While increasing the production, we do many things. We use extra resources,, extra manpower, extra fuel, etc. The primary importance is given to the goal of increasing production. Other things are secondary at that moment.
Once your production has stabilized, you should start looking for optimizing the resources. If you have gained in scale, you can ask for discounts & more credit periods, which will improve your cash flow. You can also make some special purpose machines or fixtures which will simplify your work there by reducing costs or steps. You need to break up things into different steps and check if any of the process is still needed. You should constantly ask questions. Find new answers. The day you stop your continuous improvement, you will stop to be a success. At best, you will be where you are.
The word Kaizen is also associated with Gemba; it is Gemba Kaizen. Gemba is nothing but the location, the field, the plant where work is carried out. Until you go to that place, you cannot look for improvements that can be done.
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