Chapter 14.4, Problem 1.2RQ

Summary Introduction

To explain: How Gemba walks are different than value stream mapping.

Case summary: In the given case, lean practitioners applied the Gemba technique of country J to stay in touch by getting the knowledge of all happenings in the factory building. This technique involves learning about work practices, coaching, training employees, and following up on issues that were discovered in past. To conduct a Gemba walk, there was no particular set of rules but it was regulated with the help of several general guidelines. An expert R warned that there was a mistake with technology which is wandering about the plant on a meet basis which can only bring empty praise to employees rather than taking time to understand the actual happening. Therefore, the correct use of this technology makes the managers and leaders able to stay in touch with various activities on the firm’s floor, which help them to make appropriate decisions.