5 GS

For David
 INTRODUCTION TO 5 GS
Problem Solving Technique

Tachi Ohno, would employ aspects of the 5Gs to

teach his students

Under the Umbrella of Focused Improvements

 5 GS: GEMBA
Japanese term meaning the real place

Japanese Detectives call the crime scene Gemba

In manufacturing, the GEMBA is the factory floor

Realistically it can be any environment where value is

created
 5 GS: GEMBA WALK
The action of going to see the actual process, understand the
work, ask questions, and learn

An opportunity to identify wasteful activities

Understand the efficiency of current solutions and the problems

they are intended to counter
 5 GS: GEMBA WALK TIPS

Have a theme or topic prepared for your walk

Have a chart separating the 8 wastes and write down
what waste(s) are present on the floor
Ask the team and operators for suggestions
Consult the team and management before making
process changes
 5 GS: GEMBA FINAL THOUGHTS

Tachi Ohno would take new graduates to shop floor and put them in a
chalk drawn circle. They would stand in the circle to observe and note
what they saw. The lesson that was being stressed that the only way to
understand what happens on the shop floor is to go there

There are Post Gemba Walk activities and they are as follows

Follow up with people who offered key insights

Pareto and Trend Charts

Categorize your thoughts and solutions

 5 GS: GEMBUTSU

Japanese word meaning real thing

Can include the following:

Equipment
Physical Objects
Products
 5 GS: GENJITSU

The reality
The actual observations and notes that were taken from
the Gemba Walk
Determine the real causes of each observable event on
the ground
Assessment of actual achievements and needs
 5 GS: GENRI
The Theory

See what the procedures provide

Study the bulk of available literature

Verify the applicability of standards

 5 GS: GENSOKU
The Operational Standards
Based on actual needs, plan corrective actions
Inform and if necessary, train on the application of
procedures
Supporting reforms through local advice and assistance
 FINAL THOUGHTS

Seems to be used in manufacturing companies

where problem solving is a must

Team training/Communication/ Engineering tool

trainings would be good to temper a training
revolved around the 5 Gs