SSDSI Blog Archives

What are Kaizen Events? How Do They Work?

A Kaizen event is a focused, short-term improvement initiative used in Lean methodology to enhance business processes. It aims to identify inefficiencies and eliminate waste, improving overall productivity and service quality. The word “Kaizen” is Japanese, meaning...

What is Kaizen?

Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement that focuses on small, incremental changes to processes, systems, and personal development. The idea behind Kaizen is that small, ongoing changes can lead to significant improvements in the long run. It...

Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification: A Complete Guide

The Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB) certification serves as an entry point into the Six Sigma methodology. Designed for individuals new to this process improvement framework, it is suitable for both entry-level employees aiming to enhance their work...

Hoshin Kanri Explained: Five Phases of Hoshin Planning

Hoshin Kanri, often referred to as Hoshin Planning, is a strategic planning method originating from Japan that helps organizations align their goals, policies, and processes across all levels of management. The term “Hoshin Kanri” comes from Japanese, with...

TAKT Time: A Key Tool for Managing Production Speed

Takt time is a fundamental concept in manufacturing and other production environments, often misunderstood and confused with cycle time. It plays a crucial role in synchronizing production rates with customer demand and ensuring operational efficiency. Takt time...

What is a Six Sigma Black Belt?

The concept of the Six Sigma Black Belt emerged as part of the broader Six Sigma methodology developed in the 1980s by Motorola. At the time, Motorola was facing intense competition from Japanese manufacturers, who had gained a reputation for producing high-quality...