Question

Kaizen, Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsako, Jishuken. These japanese words are related to continuous quality improvement and are applied in supplier development programs, particularly Toyota's. Research Toyota's Production Systems (TPS) and describe how these concepts are applied in supplier development.

Answer 1

Kaizen means continuous improvement to bring out efficiency and productivity at work. Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsako are 5S principal which means Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. It helps to maintain the area in best possible manner which reduces effort in search time and helps to remove non value adding activity. Jishuken is a concept to involve managers in direct learning about the area they are responsible for. It helps to find out improvement activities and work in a team to improve the same. It involves using the kaizen principle to bring out improvement.

These concepts are very important in supplier development as:

• Kaizen ideas at supplier end helps to reduce the wastage and hence productivity at work. This helps to consistently supply the product with desired quality level without hampering the continuity. The ideas involve small investment which result in significant improvement in the operation
• The 5S concept helps to make the entire process more systematic. It reduces the unwanted activities and cost incurred on same. The concepts are very critical to avoid mix-up and reduce search time. It helps to support customer as per requirement and with ease
• The Jishuken concept is involvement in the operation of supplier and suggesting methods to improve the same. It helps to work in team and have regular review to ensure things move on as desired

So, all these concepts are essential in Supplier Development