| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Autonomation or Jidoka | A semi-automatic process; human and machine working together. |
| Benchmarking | Measuring products, processes, services, etc. against the highest standard. |
| Blitz | A fast, structured, focused process for improving something (a process, a workspace, etc.). |
| Cycle Time | The time required to complete one cycle of a particular operation. |
| Five S (5S) | The principles for achieving and maintaining an effective workplace: Seiri, Seiketsu, Seiso, Seiton, and Shitsuke. |
| Flow | The way production moves from the beginning (raw material) to the end (customer). This is a key principle of Lean – Lean envisions the flow as one smooth process. |
| Gemba | A Japanese term meaning, “Where the action is.” |
| Genchi Genbutsu | A Japanese term meaning, “Go and see for yourself.” |
| Heijunka | The process of leveling the workload between resources. |
| Just-in-Time (JIT) | A production system where each item required is produced and available precisely when needed, in the exact amount. |
| Kaikaku | A fast, radical change process. |