Increasing work efficiency in a manufacturing setting using Gemba Walk

Abstract

PURPOSE: This paper deals with the increasing work efficiency in the selected company. The literature review contains process improvement approaches in the field of increasing work efficiency. Implementation of lean production has brought continual improvement for manufacturers to remain competitive in the markets.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: There is a case study and an analysis of the current state of the company that is operating internationally in industrial and professional electronics. Based on a practical application of a lean management method which is called Gemba Walk and the consultation with the employees, the result is the Ishikawa diagram and a priority matrix and evaluation results of these methods.

FINDINGS: These results in the work served to suggest improving awareness and the importance of lean management in work environments. The case study is focused on the presentation of the proposed measures, the aim of which is to increase work efficiency and to motivate the employees to work more efficiently.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The individual proposed measures will make it possible to reduce the time spent by the worker in carrying out his work. The work efficiency before and after the implementation of the proposed solutions is also calculated.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The values for the company are the economic assessment of the proposed solutions, their time assessment, comparison of work efficiency, and the benefits of results. Benefits for the selected company are for example increasing the efficiency of work in the cutting room department in the company, minimization of the use of storage means, improving cooperation between picking and shearing, acceleration of the production process and reducing the risk of accidents at work and health problems.