The waste in a process is often unknown, difficult to see or masked by other activities surrounding it. A Kaizen 'train & do' event is designed to introduce the concepts of Kaizen continuous improvement. Kaizen methodologies are introduced as well as the tools used to measure, analyze and improve any process. Real measurable improvements in productivity, inventory, floor space and lead-time reduction are attained.

A 'train & do' project uses the Lean workshop as an introduction to multi-day (usually 3-5) activities where participants apply newly acquired knowledge to a real world process at a client's facility. A typical three-day event is described here:

Pre-event
Facility visit to establish baseline data, select team and determine targeted process.

Day 1
A Lean workshop lasting six to eight hours, depending on subject matter.

Day 2
Using a smaller focus team, apply knowledge acquired from workshop to targeted process or area. Activities usually involve measurement, analysis, brainstorming and implementation of suggested changes.

Day 3-5
Continuation of implementation activities. Test run of changes, adjustments as needed, and report results to management.