Seminars & Training

Kaizen is not a one-time activity, but rather a process of continuous analysis and adjustment as needs arise. After surgery, (a one-time intervention), consistent and appropriate treatment after the operation is necessary for final recovery of the patient . It is the same in the business world: no one is able to care for your company better than your own staff. Success depends on their conscientious application of Kaizen principles. Therefore, SGC offers a wide variety of training opportunities to provide your staff on-going support.

Introduction of the SGC Production System and the concept of Kaizen

This program is designed for new clients who are interested in improving efficiency ("lean operation") and increasing profit but who are not familiar with the SGC Production System or the Kaizen concept. Through class activities and visits to several Gemba (sites) where Kaizen techniques have been implemented, this seminar explains how Kaizen reduces unrecognized waste and increases profits. This introductory seminar is held in major industrial cities in the United States. Please contact us for a seminar schedule.

Advanced Kaizen training

This program is designed for the Kaizen staff of clients who have experienced our on-site consulting services. The client selects the type, date, location, and contents of the seminar. Upon request, either separately or as part of the program, a visit to a world-class manufacturing company, such as Toyota, can be arranged. Please contact us to make seminar arrangements.

Kaizen seminars in Japan

SGC offers the Gemba Kaizen, Global Kanban System, Jidoka (Autonomation), and Production Preparation Process (3P) seminars.
Click here for a seminar schedule.

Gemba Kaizen	One of the basic methodologies of Kaizen is the Just-in-Time (JIT) system. JIT promotes optimized resource allocation, efficiently using product, schedule, and quantity to reduce production and operating costs. JIT establishes the basic groundwork for a true Kaizen working environment. From streamlined production processes to a pull system that optimizes inventory/production flows, JIT creates a waste-free-business mentality that eliminates expenses and maximizes returns. The Gemba Kaizen seminar consists of both lecture and field practical lessons. Attendees learn the basic JIT concept in lecture, as well as field training covering the standardized work for Takt time production. These concepts are the crucial building blocks of Kaizen; they are essential for anyone who will oversee the implementation of Kaizen activity. The Gemba Kaizen seminar also offers a prime opportunity for an organization’s executives to understand what Kaizen is and how it can benefit a company.
Global Kanban System	The Gemba Kaizen seminar teaches the JIT concept, but the Global Kanban system puts it to the test and is an essential tool in achieving an ideal JIT production process. The Kanban system is the engine that propels JIT forward; it offers tools for both production control and continuous improvement to reduce any resource / time / manpower MUDA (waste). Under Kanban, overproducing is a thing of the past, and process manager additionally learn visual tools (signals), to maintain streamlined systems. The Global practical implementation, and requires knowledge of the basic Gemba Kaizen lessons.
Jidoka (Autonomation)	Automated production works wonders when everything goes smoothly, but problems do occur. Manufacturing groups reduce the impact of these problems by Jidoka. Jidoka, or autonomation, is the Kaizen principle that optimizes the automated production line. Since machines can’t make intelligent decisions, human operators must watch for and address problems as they arise. Jidoka is a system that implements a scalable human resource pool to maximize efficiency based on production volume. The Jidoka seminar teaches the core values of Jidoka as well as implementation strategies and techniques.
Production Preparation Process (3P)	Being the first to market doesn’t guarantee beating the competition, but it certainly is a large step forward. However, in order to get that head start, a web of logistical issues – from procurement to equipment preparation – must be dealt with for efficient operations. To fully leverage this strategy, all logistical issues must be resolved at the lowest cost available with minimum time delays. This requires thorough, effective preparation and planning. The JIT system can take a process from preproduction to production without waste or delays – if integrated correctly. The Production Preparation seminar teaches attendees how to successfully implement a high-quality production system that minimizes resource investment and time commitments.