Kaizen is a Japanese system of continuous improvement of quality, technology, processes, corporate culture, productivity, reliability, leadership and other aspects of the company. A unique approach to the organization of production and increase its efficiency is gaining more and more supporters in the business community. In September 2018, as a part of the development of business cooperation between Japan and Russia, at the initiative of the Japanese government, an internship was organized for Russian specialists to learn about the experience of using this system in enterprises. Among the participants of the training program was Andrey Prokoshev, CIO of «UDS group».
During the internship, Russian specialists visited 9 large production sites in Japan, from chemical enterprises to an engine manufacturing plant for the automotive giant Nissan. The excursions provided an opportunity to see how the kaizen system was implemented on the sites and evaluate its effectiveness. The training program also included a theoretical part - lectures, discussions, interaction in working groups to consolidate the material.
- Internship at Japanese enterprises-leaders in its segment is an interesting experience. We have observed a well-established production process, where everything is clearly regulated and there are instructions that employees fulfill unquestioningly. Such adherence to the rules and principles seriously increases the efficiency of work, - said Andrey Prokoshev. - We saw the maximum dedication of employees and interest in high results at all enterprises. Everyone is determined to improve the efficiency of the processes they are involved. Everyone is involved in the constant search for improvements: from top managers to ordinary employees, so the system is really successful and productive.
Practice shows that Kaizen has a positive impact on the activities of the enterprise and changes the attitude of employees to business and to the company as well as adjusts to the result. But implementation of kaizen is a long-term process that progresses smoothly and takes into account many details. Because those tools that are great in Japan, may not work for us because of the difference in mentalities and approach to work in general. In my opinion, in-depth development of the use of the Kaizen methodology can have a significant impact and help our company reach new heights.
