Determining if your company needs a Kaizen makeover

The number of companies going through Kaizen transformations has increased significantly. Now, everyone from manufacturers and factories to federal agencies and schools are leveraging Lean mindsets and methodologies.

So how can you tell if your company could benefit from a Lean transformation? There is no easy answer to that question, as there are a number of ways businesses can improve through Kaizen. At the same time, there are a multitude of signals that suggest Kaizen makeovers could lead to greater productivity.

Take, for example, the efficiency of tasks. Are business-related activities administered in a way that makes sense to everyone involved and encourages productivity? Before you answer that question, be sure to take a critical look at your company. Even small things, such as requiring managers to sign off on tasks before they begin, can lead to obstacles in the way of productivity.

If you decide your company could use a Kaizen makeover, it's best to consult an expert who can help you learn and integrate the principles behind the philosophy.