Kamishibai (Visual Management) is a visual technique used to manage and improve processes through regular audits. It involves components like Kamishibai cards and boards, and follows a process of task selection, audit execution, and corrective action. Implementing Kamishibai offers benefits such as process visibility, continuous improvement, and team engagement, but it also comes with challenges like resistance and information overload. Its use cases range from production line management to project management and service delivery improvement. Key roles in Kamishibai include team leaders, frontline workers, and process owners.
Table of Contents
Components
Kamishibai Cards: Cards with specific tasks and audit items for visual control.
Kamishibai Board: A visual board displaying task status and audit results.
Process:
Task Selection: Choosing tasks for audit based on importance and impact.
Audit Execution: Conducting regular audits using Kamishibai cards.
Corrective Action: Taking actions to improve processes based on audit results.
Benefits:
Process Visibility: Improved visibility of processes and performance through visual indicators.
Continuous Improvement: Fostering a culture of continuous improvement by addressing issues proactively.
Team Engagement: Increased engagement and ownership among team members.
Challenges:
Resistance: Overcoming resistance to change and new ways of working.
Sustaining Effort: Ensuring consistent execution and maintenance of the Kamishibai system.
Information Overload: Avoiding excessive data and information on Kamishibai cards.
Use Cases:
Production Line Management: Using Kamishibai for task and quality checks in a production line.
Project Management: Applying Kamishibai for task progress monitoring and timely adjustments in projects.
Service Delivery Improvement: Implementing Kamishibai to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Roles:
Team Leader: Responsible for leading the Kamishibai process and conducting audits.
Frontline Workers: Responsible for performing Kamishibai tasks and recording results.
Process Owners: Oversee the Kamishibai process and initiate corrective actions.
Examples
Production Line Quality Control:
Scenario: In a manufacturing facility, a production line is responsible for assembling electronic devices.
Kamishibai Application: Kamishibai is implemented to ensure quality control. Kamishibai cards are created with specific audit items related to product assembly and quality checks. Team leaders and frontline workers regularly perform audits using these cards. When discrepancies or defects are identified during audits, corrective actions are initiated promptly. This approach improves product quality, reduces defects, and ensures that assembly processes are in compliance with quality standards.
Construction Project Progress Monitoring:
Scenario: A construction company is working on a complex building project with multiple tasks and deadlines.
Kamishibai Application: Kamishibai is used in project management to monitor task progress. Kamishibai cards outline various construction tasks and milestones. Project managers conduct regular audits using these cards to check task status and completion. If delays or issues are detected, corrective actions are taken, such as reallocating resources or adjusting timelines. Kamishibai helps ensure that construction projects stay on track, minimizing delays and cost overruns.
Healthcare Facility Patient Care:
Scenario: In a hospital, providing high-quality patient care is a top priority.
Kamishibai Application: Kamishibai is employed to enhance patient care processes. Kamishibai cards contain audit items related to patient care protocols, hygiene, and safety measures. Nursing supervisors and frontline staff perform regular audits, ensuring that care standards are met. Any discrepancies or non-compliance issues are addressed promptly through corrective actions. Kamishibai contributes to improved patient safety, quality of care, and adherence to best practices.
Customer Service Call Center:
Scenario: A customer service call center aims to improve customer satisfaction and call resolution times.
Kamishibai Application: Kamishibai is used to enhance service delivery. Kamishibai cards outline key call center tasks and performance metrics. Team leaders and call center agents perform audits to assess call quality, response times, and adherence to scripts. When issues are identified, corrective actions may include additional training, process adjustments, or coaching. Kamishibai helps maintain high service standards, leading to increased customer satisfaction and more efficient call handling.
Retail Store Inventory Management:
Scenario: A retail store chain wants to ensure efficient inventory management across its locations.
Kamishibai Application: Kamishibai is applied to monitor inventory levels. Kamishibai cards list inventory-related tasks, including restocking, inventory counts, and order placements. Store managers and employees conduct regular audits to assess inventory accuracy and identify any discrepancies. Corrective actions, such as adjusting order quantities or investigating stockouts, are taken based on audit results. Kamishibai contributes to optimized inventory management, reducing overstock and understock situations.
Kamishibai (Visual Management) Highlights:
Concept: Kamishibai is a visual management technique using cards and boards for process improvement through regular audits.
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Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
