ABSTRACT
Implementation is the stage during which the workforce transitions to the improved process. The implementation process goes more smoothly when the launch-the “go live” date-is definitive. One day the work is performed the old way, and the next day it is performed the new way. When shifts are present, the transition occurs between the two shifts closest to the end of the Kaizen Event. In each case, training is required to teach the workforce how to perform work the new way. What are the new steps? Who passes work to whom? If 5S has been part of the Kaizen Event, workers need to know where everything is located and what the new standards are for maintaining the environment. So the Kaizen Team’s final step in implementing an improvement is providing workforce training. Here, in the “performing” stage of team development, the team moves into the “act” stage of the micro PDCA cycle.
