Guide to Kaizen Key Terms

Learn how to be more productive and simplify your life

By Mary Yamin-Garone

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Kaizen is an ancient Japanese philosophy designed to eliminate waste and improve efficiency and productivity in the business world and in everyday life. Originating after World War II, the word Kaizen—derived from the Japanese words “kai” and “zen”—translates into “continuous improvement.” The Kaizen way of thinking focuses on implementing small changes on a routine basis in any area that warrants improvement, as opposed to making large-scale changes. This philosophy gained notoriety when Toyota used it to improve its manufacturing process and work environment.

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Seiso

Seiso, or cleanliness, is one of kaizen's five rules for a good environment. Some consider it more of an attitude toward cleaning rather than the act of cleaning. Part of the 5S methodology, seiso encompasses all-round cleaning, cleaning particular things such as tools, machinery and work environments, and detailed cleaning that works on dirt in specific areas, such as screw threads, corners and crevices. All levels of employees- from equipment operators to managers-participate in cleaning.

I recommend: Learn more about Seiso and the 5S methodology of cleaning at BusinessKnowledgeSource.

Seiketsu

Seiketsu refers to a standardized method of measuring and maintaining the cleanliness of individuals and their surroundings. Visualization is an integral part of seiketsu and can involve color-coding to make identifying irregularities in the environment easier.

I recommend: Siliconfareast explains the Japanese-invented 5S process that is intended to yield a more secure, efficient and constructive operation.

Seiton

Seiton is another phase of the 5S methodology. It refers to improving efficiency by straightening out or restoring order to anything that will foster work flow.

I recommend: Sribd is a reference guide to the five Japanese words that encompass the 5S methodology.

Seiri

The Japanese word seiri means tidiness, organizing or sorting. This phase of the 5S process follows a particular set of rules for arranging items.

I recommend: HubPages highlights the seiri phase.

Shitsuke

Shitsuke, or discipline, signifies a pledge to maintain order. As the final component in the 5S methodology, shitsuke stresses the importance of substituting good habits for bad ones. Employees will practice cleanliness and order automatically once each employee conforms to "true" shitsuke.

I recommend: Quality Tools provides a detailed explanation of shitsuke.

Muda

The Japanese word muda means a wasteful action that adds no value or is unproductive, insignificant or trivial. It is a significant concept in the Toyota Production System (TPS). The TPS claims that reducing waste will increase an organization's profitability.

I recommend: Strategos International offers a brief overview of the Toyota Production System.