LEAN Kaizen: Proven to Engage & Deliver

In Q2 2009, Exceed took the bold step of diversifying its performance improvement offering by bringing on board LEAN Kaizen expert Pat Browne. Less than 6 months later, Exceed’s LEAN Kaizen division has delivered three projects, resulting in customer lead times reduced by half and staff time to deliver reduced by 45%.

The projects, which involved bringing LEAN thinking to one of the UK’s Top 100 Universities, included a Kaizen Blitz event specifically focused on reducing carbon footprint.

Exceed has also been working alongside Oil & Gas leaders to discuss the deployment of LEAN Kaizen methodologies. A high-cost industry that is constantly under the spotlight for its environmental agenda, the Oil & Gas environment provides the perfect platform to benefit from the LEAN Kaizen approach.

LEAN Kaizen – which roughly translated from Japanese means “change for the better” – is a continuous improvement methodology best known for its emphasis on workforce involvement; co-creating solutions with those who are most closely involved with the work, as opposed to a top-down approach. It is this emphasis on team involvement that has earned  LEAN Kaizen its reputation for quick adoption and sustainable wins.

Based on the principles of waste reduction, no tolerance for errors, and a customer focus, LEAN Kaizen helps businesses meet the challenge of doing more with the same – or less – resources. With the initial Kaizen engagement being spearheaded at management level, a LEAN Kaizen implementation actively involves the team.

Under Pat Browne’s capable guidance, Exceed’s Kaizen team has a clear vision for 2010: develop LEAN Kaizen awareness training for managers and change agents, bring LEAN Kaizen to new business sectors and grow the delivery team to meet the demands of the Oil & Gas sector. 

For more information about LEAN Kaizen and our methodology, please click here.