Assessing the application of Kaizen principles in Indian small-scale industry

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to represent Kaizen implementation in a machine vice manufacturing company. Kaizen has shown tremendous impacts on the production techniques and lead times. A large number of small-scale industries have shown their existence in India. It has been difficult for small industries to survive due to tough competition among them. All are facing problems like low production and poor-quality products.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology applied to implement Kaizen in Indian small-scale industry. Fishbone diagrams have been used to represent cause and effects. The result has been shown as savings in terms of money and time.

Findings

Inventory access time is reduced up to 87 per cent and total distance travelled and total time taken by product is reduced up to 43.75 and 46.08 per cent, respectively. A habit to maintain a clean workplace has been developed in workers.

Research limitations/implications

ISO could be integrated with Kaizen for more improvements.

Practical implications

The paper should assist those practitioners and consultants who have the desire to understand a better way of Kaizen implementation in small-scale industries of India.

Originality/value

This paper yields lots of values for practitioners to understand the need, impacts and significance of Kaizen implementation in small-scale industries of India. Also, it bridges the gap between theory and practice of Kaizen implementation in real working conditions in Indian industries.

Citation

Arya, A.K. and Choudhary, S. (2015), "Assessing the application of Kaizen principles in Indian small-scale industry", International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 369-396. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-11-2014-0033