Gemba Walk: Meaning, Process, Examples and Templates

Gemba walks are shop-floor tours where you can observe ongoing processes firsthand, address the root causes of issues, and drive operational excellence.

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What are Gemba Walks?

Gemba Walks originate from the Japanese term "Gemba" or "Gembutsu," which translates to "the real place" or "the place where value is created." The lean Gemba walk process involves visiting the actual location where work happens, such as the production floor, to gain a firsthand understanding of the factory floor processes and activities. You can also define Gemba as a workplace walkthrough or shop floor tour conducted by Gemba leaders to observe employees and identify productivity gains.

Gemba Walks are a fundamental Lean management practice that promotes continuous improvement. During these walks, leaders and managers step away from their desks to observe tasks or shop floor operations directly, engage with employees, and identify improvement areas.

The three important elements of lean Gemba Walk process are:

  • Go and See the Process: Physically visit the site to observe the workflows and operations as they happen in real-time.
  • Ask why: Engaging in discussions with employees to understand why processes are performed in a certain way, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Respect everyone and their Work: Valuing the contributions of all employees, fostering a culture of respect, and recognising the importance of each role in the organisation.

Implementing Gemba Walks can help organisations uncover inefficiencies, inspire innovation, and drive meaningful process improvements. The Gemba methodology is not only about identifying problems; it also builds a deeper connection with the workforce and appreciates the reality of the work environment.

Gemba Kaizen

Gemba Kaizen combines two Japanese concepts: "Gemba," meaning "real place," and "Kaizen," meaning "improvement" or "change for the better." This approach emphasises continuous improvement in various business areas, including manufacturing, business processes and management. Gemba Kaizen is a common-sense approach to a continuous improvement strategy, focusing on making small, incremental changes at the actual place where work is done. Pioneered by Masaaki Imai, Gemba Kaizen incorporates practices such as the 5S methodology to enhance workplace organisation and efficiency. The 5S Kaizen Gemba Walk approach involves leaders observing and engaging with their teams directly when they "Go to Gemba" to identify improvements that are later implemented after relevant discussions or tired meetings. In other words, Gemba Kaizen is a hands-on strategy for promoting continuous improvement for sustained progress and operational excellence.

5G Method of Problem-Solving

The 5G Method, derived from five Japanese words, offers a structured and holistic way to address and resolve problems. These five "G"s are Gemba, Gembutsu, Genjitsu, Genri, and Gensoku. Let's delve into each component of the 5G method to understand its application in problem-solving across various professional settings.

  • Gemba: The 5G Method's core principle is Gemba, which means "the actual place." This principle emphasises physically going to where the problems can exist to gain firsthand insights and a deeper understanding of the problem.
  • Gembutsu: Gembutsu, meaning "the actual thing" or "the actual product," involves examining the actual components, materials, or data related to the issue to clearly identify defects or inefficiencies.
  • Genjitsu: Genjitsu is "the current reality" or "the truth." It understands the actual situation without assumptions and ensures data-driven decision-making through accurate data collection and analysis.
  • Genri: Genri means "the theory" or "the principle." Genri involves identifying the root causes of the problem and understanding the fundamental principles leading to the issue for sustainable and effective solutions.
  • Gensoku: Gensoku, meaning "the standard" or "the rule," focuses on creating and implementing standardised processes and guidelines to prevent the recurrence of the problem, setting new standards based on learned outcomes.

The 5G Japanese method is versatile and applied in various organisations, including manufacturing, healthcare, pharma, automotive, software development, and many others. By adhering to these principles, organisations can develop a comprehensive problem-solving approach that encourages continuous improvement and innovation.

Digital Gemba

Digital Gemba walk, often called Virtual Gemba, uses technology to perform Gemba Walks remotely from anywhere using any device. Digital Gemba board software helps Gemba leaders observe and interact with the actual workplace through real-time data sharing. A lean Gemba walk board visualises workflows and tracks issues. At the same time, choosing the suitable Gemba Walk template is important, as it helps in the easier visualisation of data for the successful execution of the Gemba process. Unlike traditional Gemba, which requires physical presence, Digital Gemba Boards allow flexibility and immediate access to relevant information without errors, making it a powerful tool in lean Gemba management. Digital Gemba board is an innovation that supports continuous improvement by enabling leaders to identify inefficiencies, track progress, and implement corrective actions swiftly. By adopting digital Gemba tools in their production processes, organisations can maintain the core principles of Gemba in lean manufacturing while enhancing responsiveness and accuracy, ultimately driving productivity and operational excellence.

Aspect Traditional Gemba Digital Gemba
Location Physical presence at the worksite Remote observation using digital tools like Digital Gemba board or Gemba Software
Interaction Face-to-face engagement with employees Virtual meetings and video conferencing
Tools Pen, paper, and direct observation Digital Gemba software and Gemba boards
Documentation Manual note-taking Automated data collection using Gemba Walk templates in Gemba Software
Flexibility Limited by physical location and schedule Highly flexible, accessible from anywhere using any device.

Safety Gemba Walk

The Gemba Safety Walk focuses on identifying and mitigating safety hazards in the workplace. Using a safety Gemba walk checklist and focusing on safety Gemba walk questions, leaders systematically examine the work environment to spot potential risks and ensure compliance with safety standards. A safety Gemba walk template standardises the safety Gemba process, ensuring that all critical Gemba areas are reviewed consistently. This proactive approach helps create a safer workplace by addressing issues before they lead to accidents or injuries.

What does Gemba mean in Lean?

"Gemba," meaning "the real place," refers to the place where work happens. In lean, gemba refers to the actual site where value is created, such as the shop floor in manufacturing or the service delivery area in a service industry.

As part of Leader Standard Work (LSW), Gemba lean management emphasises the importance of direct observation and understanding of work processes to drive continuous improvement and efficiency. This approach connects professionals to the process, making them realise the significance of their role in creating value. Gemba lean manufacturing focuses on streamlining operations, eliminating waste, and enhancing overall productivity.

The Gemba meaning in lean highlights the collaborative nature of this approach. It encourages professionals to go to the source, where value is created, to identify inefficiencies and rectify them through collective suggestions, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility.

In Gemba production, the methodology ensures that every step in the production process adds value and is performed as efficiently as possible. By adopting the Gemba methodology, organisations can continuously refine their processes, ensuring they remain aligned with lean principles and achieve optimal operational performance. This application of Gemba lean management instils a sense of optimism and hope, fueling motivation for improved processes and outcomes.

Why is Gemba important?

Gemba Walks are a crucial element of lean management principles, initially developed by Taiichi Ohno. Taiichi Ohno, one of the founding members of Toyota Production System (TPS), emphasised the importance of "Genchi Genbutsu," which translates to "go and see for yourself." He believed that to understand and improve a process truly, leaders must go to the shop floor, observe operations, and engage with the people doing the work. Ohno suggested that direct observation helps eliminate incorrect assumptions about the workforce and enables leaders to identify what is and is not working. This gave rise to lean Gemba principles in shop floor observations. Gemba Walks are important and aim to observe, listen, learn, and assist, thus fostering continuous improvement and problem-solving in everyday work. Organisations can use Gemba walks to bridge the gap between leadership vision and implementing processes in operations, ensuring a lasting positive impact. Over the decades, Gemba Walks has spread beyond the automotive industry into various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries, becoming a fundamental component of lean management.

Gemba Walk Checklist

A Gemba Walk Checklist guides the leaders throughout the Gemba process, enhancing operational efficiency and employee engagement by directly observing work processes on the shop floor. This standardised format ensures that leaders move through the process systematically without skipping any steps. A Gemba Walk checklist typically includes key areas and operational processes to be observed, safety compliance, workflow efficiency, equipment maintenance, questions you plan to ask in your Gemba, employee feedback, and process improvement opportunities. By systematically assessing these areas, managers or Gemba leaders can identify inefficiencies, foster a continuous improvement culture, and ensure alignment with organisational goals. A well-structured Gemba Walk Checklist promotes proactive problem-solving, strengthening team communication and collaboration and driving productivity and quality enhancements.

To create a perfect Gemba Walk Checklist, follow these steps:

  • Define Objectives: Clearly outline the goals of the Gemba Walk, such as identifying bottlenecks, improving safety, or enhancing productivity.
  • Include Key Elements: Ensure the checklist covers critical areas like safety compliance, workflow efficiency, equipment maintenance, employee feedback, Gemba questions and process improvement opportunities.
  • Customise for Specific Needs: Tailor the checklist to address your organisation's or department's unique aspects, ensuring it is relevant and comprehensive.
  • Engage Employees: Involve employees in the checklist creation process to gain insights from their perspective and ensure their concerns are addressed.
  • Set a Schedule: Determine a regular schedule for Gemba Walks to ensure consistent observation and continuous improvement.
  • Review and Update: Periodically review and update the checklist to reflect changes in processes, equipment, or organisational priorities.

Gemba Walk Template

A Gemba Walk template is integral to the success of any business, helping to organise and streamline processes while providing a platform for addressing issues and driving improvements. A well-designed template ensures all necessary tasks are completed promptly by facilitating efficient communication between managers, employees, and customers. Key elements of the template should include desired outcomes, a timeline for each step, and specific actions required. It should also feature a detailed checklist to cover essential tasks and discussions, such as customer and product feedback and employee observations. Utilising a Gemba Walk template allows businesses to quickly identify improvement areas, maintain consistent communication, and pinpoint weaknesses, ultimately enhancing overall operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

How to do a Gemba Walk?

While conducting the Gemba walk procedure, it is essential to set clear expectations across the team and actively involve team members. The goal is to conduct regular, effective and successful Gemba Walks. Frequent, focused Gemba Walks help maintain their impact. The longer the Gemba meeting, lesser is the effectiveness of Gemba . Let's take a look at the 8 Steps in the Gemba Walk Process.

  • Step 1
    Define the Purpose of the Gemba Walk
    Before a Gemba assessment, use a Gemba Walk checklist to clearly identify its purpose and theme. Whether you aim to improve productivity, reduce costs, minimise errors, enhance processes, or facilitate new ideas, a clear purpose ensures focused observations and actionable outcomes.
  • Step 2
    Understand the Process to be Observed
    Familiarise yourself with the high-level production or operational processes you will observe before proceeding with the Gemba process. Understanding the process ensures you can accurately identify opportunities for improvement and provide relevant support and insights.
  • Step 3
    Schedule the Gemba Walk
    Select a specific time for the Gemba Walk to show mutual respect and a shared interest in improving processes. Inform the team in advance so that team leaders can be present and engage in the Gemba Walk effectively.
  • Step 4
    Visit the Actual Workplace
    The essence of Gemba is going to the place where value is created. Avoid calling team members to the office to explain their activities or tasks. Instead, observe the work directly on the factory floor where it is performed, following the Leader Standard Work (LSW) principle that leaders should immerse themselves in the work environment. If you wish to do a digital Gemba, you can use the Gemba Board to conduct the Gemba.
  • Step 5
    Observe Processes and Service Quality
    During the Gemba Walk, focus on observing the processes and the quality of service provided. Pay attention to inputs, process flow, and team interactions to identify what delays the process for maximising customer value.
  • Step 6
    Assess Current Process Performance
    Before suggesting improvements, thoroughly observe and understand the current process performance. Determine if the process is operating as expected or if there are delays, rework, confusion, or unnecessary movements.
  • Step 7
    Identify the Gap between Ideal and Actual States
    After understanding the current state, visualise the gap between the actual performance and the ideal state. The ideal state should be achievable within existing constraints. Identifying this gap highlights the areas that need improvement.
  • Step 8
    Seek Opportunities for Improvement
    Once you understand the gap, collaborate with your team members to identify activities to bridge it. Engage your team in discussions, explore options, and create a documented action plan to drive continuous improvement and close the identified gap.

Gemba Walk Tools and Techniques

  • Gemba Walk App: Gemba Walk Apps facilitate planning, recording, and analysing the Gemba Walks outcomes, enhancing the efficiency and data collection required for a successful Gemba process.
  • Gemba Board: A visual board that tracks issues, improvements, and actions identified during Gemba Walks, promoting transparency and accountability. Digital Gemba Boards effectively track the real-time shop floor processes in a single interactive, streamlined platform.
  • The 5 Whys Technique: A problem-solving method that asks "why" five times to drill down to the root cause of an issue.
  • Digital Fishbone Diagram: The Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram or fishbone diagram helps identify, explore, and display the possible causes of a specific problem, facilitating root cause analysis during Gemba Walks.
  • Process Mapping: Process maps visually represent the steps involved in a process, helping identify inefficiencies and improvement areas.
  • Value Stream Mapping: Value Stream Maps can analyse and design the flow of materials and information needed to deliver a product to the customer.
  • Standardised Work: Documented procedures that outline the best practices for performing tasks, ensuring consistency and quality.
  • Visual Management Tools: Visual management boards like SQDCP, SQDC, ESQDCP, etc., have built-in charts, graphs, and dashboards that provide at-a-glance information to monitor and manage processes. You can customise the metrics in these visual boards according to your preferences and shop floor processes.
  • Video Recording Devices and Cameras: Video capturing tools and camera devices capture and review processes in detail, allowing for thorough analysis and improvement planning.

What are the benefits of Gemba?

  • Quality Improvement: Gemba Walks helps identify defects and inefficiencies directly at the source, leading to enhanced product and service quality through targeted improvements.
  • Shorter Lead Times: Gemba Walks contributes to faster process flows and reduced lead times by streamlining operations and addressing bottlenecks.
  • Increased Productivity: Observing and optimising workflows during Gemba Walks boosts productivity by eliminating waste and enhancing efficiency.
  • Employee Engagement: Gemba Walks fosters a culture of involvement and respect by encouraging direct interaction between leaders and frontline employees, enhancing motivation and ownership.
  • Cost Reduction: Identifying and resolving inefficiencies during Gemba Walks leads to significant cost savings by reducing waste and optimising resource utilisation.
  • Improved Communication: Gemba Walks promotes open dialogue and better understanding between management and employees, improving overall communication and collaboration.
  • Continuous Improvement Culture: Regular Gemba Walks reinforce a culture of continuous improvement by consistently identifying opportunities for enhancement and fostering a proactive problem-solving mindset.

How should you prepare for a Gemba Walk?

Preparing for a Gemba Walk involves careful consideration of timing and location. The best time to conduct a Gemba Walk is during regular working hours when most employees are present and engaged in their tasks. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of daily operations and allows for real-time observations. As for the location, Gemba Walks should be conducted on-site where the actual work is being done, such as production floors, office spaces, or service areas. Developing a Gemba Walk checklist and template is crucial to prepare for a Gemba Walk effectively. The Gemba checklist should include key areas to observe, questions to ask employees, and metrics to track. The Gemba template should outline the objectives of the walk, the roles of participants, and a schedule for the visit. By carefully preparing and planning for the Gemba with a checklist and template, you can ensure that your Gemba Walk is focused and efficient and yields valuable insights into the processes and practices of your organisation.

What are the five golden rules of Gemba?

  • Go to Gemba first when a problem arises: Gemba, the actual place where work is done, offers invaluable insights into the nature of problems and opportunities for improvement. Direct observation at Gemba provides the firsthand understanding and context necessary for effective decision-making.
  • Check Gembutsu for relevant objectives: Gembutsu refers to tangible objects or evidence related to the problem or objective at hand, such as scrap, broken machines, or returned goods. Examining Gembutsu helps gain a deeper understanding of the situation and identify areas for improvement.
  • Perform temporary actions: Upon encountering an issue at Gemba, it's essential to take immediate, temporary actions to address the problem and mitigate any negative impacts on operations. These actions serve as quick fixes while the root cause is being investigated and addressed.
  • Find the root cause: Identifying the root cause of a problem is crucial for implementing effective and long-lasting solutions. By delving deep into the underlying factors contributing to an issue, organisations can prevent its recurrence and improve overall efficiency.
  • Standardise to avoid recurrences: Once the root cause has been identified and addressed, it's essential to establish standardised procedures and practices to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Standardisation ensures consistency and reliability in operations, leading to sustained improvements over time.

How do you engage employees during a Gemba Walk?

Engaging employees during a Gemba Walk is essential for maximising the positive effects of a Gemba and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. To achieve this, Gemba leaders should prioritise active participation and open communication. Encourage your employees to share their insights, observations, and suggestions for improvement during the walk. By actively listening to their perspectives and involving them in problem-solving discussions, you can utilise their knowledge and expertise to identify opportunities for optimisation. Additionally, recognise and acknowledge their contributions, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability for the Gemba Walk process. This collaborative approach enhances employee engagement and promotes a culture of empowerment and innovation within the organisation.

What actions should be taken after a Gemba Walk?

After a Gemba Walk, several critical actions should be taken to ensure the observations and insights gained lead to meaningful improvements:

  • Document Findings: Record all observations, insights, and issues identified during the Gemba Walk in detail.
  • Analyse Data: Review and analyse the documented findings to identify patterns, root causes, and areas needing improvement.
  • Prioritise Issues: Prioritise the issues based on their impact on safety, efficiency, and overall operational performance.
  • Develop Action Plans: Create specific, actionable plans to address the identified issues. Assign responsibilities to team members and set the deadlines for each action item.
  • Communicate with Stakeholders: Share the findings and action plans with all relevant stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives, to ensure transparency and buy-in.
  • Implement Changes: Execute the action plans, making necessary changes to processes, procedures, or equipment as identified during the Gemba Walk.
  • Follow-Up and Review: Regularly follow up on the implementation of the action plans to ensure changes are effective and issues are resolved. Review progress and make adjustments as needed.
  • Provide Feedback and Recognition: Offer constructive feedback and recognise the contributions of employees involved in the improvement process.

How do you document and track the outcomes of a Gemba Walk?

Documenting and tracking the outcomes of a Gemba Walk involves systematically recording observations, action items, and progress. Manually, this process typically includes filling out paper forms, creating spreadsheets, and holding follow-up meetings, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. In contrast, using digital Gemba software to track Gemba Walk processes offers significant advantages, such as real-time data capture, centralised storage, automated reminders, and easy access to historical data. Digital Gemba tools enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration, allowing for quicker identification of issues, streamlined communication, and more effective implementation of improvements. This approach saves time and ensures that all relevant information is easily accessible and actionable.

What is the Gemba Walk for Continuous Improvement?

The Gemba Walk process drives continuous improvement by fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving and employee engagement. By directly observing work processes on the shop floor, leaders can identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for enhancement in real-time. This hands-on approach encourages employees to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and participate in problem-solving initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. Organisations can continuously refine processes through regular Gemba Walks, implement innovative solutions, and adapt to changing needs and challenges. This iterative process of observation, analysis, and action enhances operational efficiency and quality and promotes a mindset of continuous learning and improvement throughout the organisation.

How could Gemba Walk improve your team or Business Performance?

Gemba Walks have the potential to significantly improve team and business performance by providing firsthand insights into operations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By directly observing work processes on the shop floor, leaders can identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and areas for enhancement. Engaging employees in the Gemba Walk process encourages collaboration, empowers them to contribute ideas for improvement, and boosts morale. Implementing suggestions stemming from Gemba Walks can lead to streamlined workflows, reduced waste, enhanced productivity, and better quality outcomes. Ultimately, this focus on business process improvement drives overall performance improvements, ensuring the organisation remains competitive and adaptable in today's dynamic business landscape.

How does Gemba Walk drive Business Process Improvement?

Gemba Walks drive Business Process Improvement by providing a direct and hands-on approach to identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for enhancement within operational processes. By observing work processes on the shop floor in real-time, managers can pinpoint bottlenecks, waste, and deviations from standard procedures. This enables them to gather accurate data, analyse root causes, and collaborate with frontline employees to develop targeted solutions. Through this iterative observation, analysis, and action process, Gemba Walks facilitate continuous improvement initiatives that streamline workflows, optimise resource utilisation, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

How to overcome common obstacles faced during Gemba?

  • Resistance from Employees: Encourage open communication and participation by emphasising Gemba Walks' benefits, such as improvement opportunities and employee empowerment. Provide training and support to help employees understand the purpose and value of the process.
  • Time Constraints: Prioritise Gemba Walks and allocate dedicated time for them in the schedule. Streamline the process by focusing on key areas and utilising efficient documentation tools, such as digital software, to save time on data collection and analysis.
  • Lack of Management Support: Educate managers on the importance of Gemba Walks for driving continuous improvement and achieving organisational goals. Demonstrate the positive impact of Gemba Walks through tangible results and success stories, gaining buy-in and support from leadership.
  • Ineffective Follow-Up: Establish a clear system for documenting and tracking action items identified during Gemba Walks. Assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and regularly follow up on the progress to ensure that improvements are implemented promptly and sustained over time.
  • Insufficient Training: Provide comprehensive training to both leaders and employees on the principles and practices of Gemba Walks, including how to effectively observe, document, and analyse work processes. Offer ongoing support and opportunities for skill development to ensure everyone feels confident and capable of participating in the process.

How can you ensure the effectiveness of a Gemba Walk?

  • Track the number of identified issues resolved post-Gemba Walk, including increased productivity, reduced waste, or improved safety metrics. If you are integrating your Gemba process with a digital Gemba board, all your identified problems, associated communications, improvements, and analysis of improvement metrics will be streamlined.
  • Monitor employee engagement levels and the frequency of suggestions or improvements submitted post-Gemba walk to indicate effectiveness.
  • Analyse trends in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)such as throughput, defect rates, or customer satisfaction scores before and after Gemba Walks for quantitative evidence of impact.
  • Conduct regular feedback surveys or reviews to gauge participants' perception of the Gemba Walk process and its contribution to business goals, ensuring alignment and continuous refinement.

Best practices and Tips for maximising the benefits of Gemba Walk

  • Foster a Culture of Openness: Encourage employees to communicate openly, participate in Gemba Walks, and foster an environment where their input is valued and welcomed. Open communication promotes engagement and ensures a diverse range of perspectives are considered during the Gemba walk observations.
  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate leadership commitment to continuous improvement by actively participating in Gemba Walks alongside employees. This reinforces the process's importance and provides leaders with firsthand insights into operational challenges and opportunities.
  • Focus on Problem-Solving: Use Gemba Walks as a platform for problem-solving rather than fault-finding. Encourage your team members to identify the root causes of issues and collaborate on implementing effective solutions to drive tangible improvements in processes and outcomes.
  • Regularise Gemba Walks: Establish a regular schedule for Gemba Walks to ensure consistency and continuity in observation and improvement efforts. Consistent engagement fosters a culture of continuous improvement and enables timely identification and resolution of the issues.
  • Embrace Technology: Leverage digital Gemba tools like Gemba Walk software or Gemba board to streamline Gemba Walk processes, from data collection and analysis to tracking action items and monitoring progress. Digital solutions enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration, ultimately maximising the effectiveness and impact of Gemba Walks.
  • Conduct Gemba Walk Training: Provide comprehensive training on Gemba Walk principles and methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma Gemba Walks, to equip employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct effective observations. Training should cover topics such as the purpose of Gemba Walks, observation techniques, Gemba tools, data collection methods, and problem-solving strategies.

How Gemba Walks Supports Project Management?

Gemba Walks offer invaluable support to project management by providing real-time visibility into the project's progress and identifying potential risks or bottlenecks early on. By directly observing work processes on the shop floor, project managers can assess the status of tasks, monitor resource utilisation, and identify any deviations from the project plan. This hands-on approach facilitates effective communication and collaboration among team members, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timely resolution of issues. Additionally, Gemba Walks enable project managers to gather feedback from frontline employees, incorporate lessons learned, and make data-driven decisions to optimise project performance and drive continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Gemba Example

When a manufacturing company faced challenges with product quality, which resulted in an alarming rate of product returns and customer complaints, the manager recognised the urgency of addressing the underlying issues. In response, the manager initiated a Gemba Walk, a hands-on approach to directly observe shop floor processes where the manufacturing operations are performed.

  • Conduct Gemba Walk: The manager performs a Gemba walk using the Gemba checklist to observe shop floor processes directly and identify areas for improvement in product quality.
  • Identify Issues: During the Gemba walk, the manager observes repetitive, unwanted movements and incorrect procedures in the production line, which leads to low-quality products.
  • Engage Employees: The manager engages employees to understand ongoing processes, challenges faced, and requirements for improvement through his observations and by asking his pre-prepared Gemba questions.
  • Utilise Digital Gemba Board : A digital Gemba board, integrated with the Gemba template, streamlines the process by integrating analysis, findings, suggestions, root causes, and associated communications and documents like photographs or video recordings supporting the procedure in the production line into a single digital platform.
  • Discuss Findings in Gemba Meeting:: After the Gemba Walk, the manager discusses findings with employees in a Gemba meeting using the digital Gemba board and suggests changes.
  • Implement Changes: Employees correct procedures in the production line based on the manager's suggestions, enhancing product quality.

The Manufacturing produced top-quality products, improving the company's reputation in the industry. Hence, the manufacturing organisation reaped the benefits of Gemba Walks. Organisations can choose between digital or traditional Gemba walks, with digital Gemba being a more streamlined approach.

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