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Kaizen (Jpn. 改善, literally "improvement") is an approach to total quality management originating in Japan, a method of (industrial) cost cutting by continuously making small improvements in process.
The Toyota Production System is known for its application of the principle of kaizen.
Kaizen, is a reference to taking one small step at a time - sort of continuous improvement, one small step vs radical change (or innovation, which introduces a brand new element into a closed system). It is a method of quality and process improvement, whereby a system or process is advanced through continuous minor changes. These changes are implemented in stages to view their outcomes.
There are five steps in Kaizen
SEIRI: create tidyness. Throw away all unused stuff, file away the rest.
SEITON: keep everything at the right place. Keep the tools you need accessible, hide materials you dont need regularly.
SEISO: keep your (work-)space clean, remove all traces from the previous task before starting the next.
SEIKETSU: develop a personal sense for organizing your things. Develop routines, optimize your system according to your needs.
SHITSUKE: stay disciplined doing the above, make it a habit and permanent practice.
from http://www.socio-kybernetics.net/saurierduval/2004/12/5s.html, Blog Before You Think
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