KAI-ZEN

Dear friends,


This is one of the most useful terms I came across when I was studying ICWAI.

This is Japanese terms which means just little more improvement every time. In wikipedia Kai zen refers to Japanese philosophy where there is constant improvement in product through out the life.


The fundamental idea of this philosophy is that it is not possible every time to invent new thing or discover new method / strategy to do something. It requires lots of R&D, talent, time, resources & even if discovered will take time to be accepted by / feasible for common persons.

Instead of this, efforts should be made to improvise the already discovered product / method by studying its all components. Take e.g. Washing Machine. Now washing machine is discovered and easily available. Scientists still can discover a machine which can give better washing & cleaning by using alternative methods or creating entirely new system. However it will take lots of resources, like money, men hours,capital, trials etc.

Now, scientists are trying to improvise the existing Washing Machine, like making it automatic, making it less power / water consuming, good washing results etc.


Kai zen involves considering the process & results of activities.

It involves systamatic analysis of all the process activities and it resultant impacts on actual result. Now plans are made to improve the process activities by removing unnecessary elements thereby improving the results with lesser efforts.


When I was taught about this subject, I was constantly thinking about changing just little things of various so that it functions are improved or at least cost are reduced.

While coming back home, I observed the Conductor of bus. He was multitasking issuing tickets, collecting cash, directing driver, people etc. I started thinking how Kai zen can help him. First it strike to me that, there should be some system so that he can issue tickets easily. I could not think beyond it. There was no solution. Then I saw that he was having aluminum bag containing tickets which was very heavy. Every time he issues tickets, he lift it and then just let it go. It is heavy & definitely on leaving, dash heavily on his leg. Every day he is issuing no. of tickets & getting hurt by his own bag. I though something to be done to overcome this situation.

I thought we can apply Kai zen here, all the aluminium bag should be replaced by bag made of good plastic.

Some of the conductor covered the back portion of aluminium bag with smooth plastic so that it should not hit hard.

When I was working in Accounts dept., I have used this concept consistently and made my life easier. I remember, we have to pass at least 10-15 entries to account our salaries, but now only one entry does the trick.

I am sure you can also apply Kai zen to any activities to improve.

With best luck,

Khushal