Japanese Words Commonly Used in Manufacturing318

The Japanese language has a rich vocabulary that is used in various industries, including manufacturing. Many Japanese words have been adopted into English and are now used by professionals in the manufacturing sector worldwide.

Kanban

Kanban is a scheduling system that uses visual signals to manage production. It is based on the principle of just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, which aims to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.

Kaizen

Kaizen is a continuous improvement philosophy that is used to improve all aspects of a manufacturing process. It involves making small, incremental changes over time to achieve long-term results.

Jidoka

Jidoka is a concept that refers to "automation with a human touch." It involves using automated systems to perform tasks that are repetitive or dangerous, while freeing up workers to focus on more complex tasks.

Andon

Andon is a visual signaling system that is used to alert workers to problems on the production line. It is typically used in conjunction with jidoka systems.

Poka-yoke

Poka-yoke is a method of preventing errors by designing processes so that they are foolproof. It is based on the principle that it is easier to prevent errors than to correct them.

Genchi Genbutsu

Genchi Genbutsu is a concept that means "go and see for yourself." It involves going to the source of a problem to understand it firsthand before trying to solve it.

Hansei

Hansei is a process of self-reflection that is used to identify and correct errors. It is typically used after a mistake has been made.

Kata

Kata is a standardized procedure that is used to perform tasks in a consistent and efficient manner. It is often used in training programs to teach new workers how to perform tasks correctly.

Nemawashi

Nemawashi is a process of building consensus before making a decision. It involves talking to people who will be affected by the decision to get their feedback and support.

Set-up reduction

Set-up reduction is a technique that is used to reduce the time it takes to change over a machine from one product to another. It is based on the principle that by reducing set-up times, it is possible to improve overall production efficiency.

Single-minute exchange of dies (SMED)

SMED is a technique that is used to reduce set-up times to less than 10 minutes. It involves breaking down the set-up process into small, manageable steps and then optimizing each step.

Value stream mapping (VSM)

VSM is a technique that is used to visualize the flow of materials and information through a manufacturing process. It is used to identify waste and inefficiencies and to develop improvement plans.

Total productive maintenance (TPM)

TPM is a maintenance strategy that involves everyone in the organization, from top management to line workers. It aims to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a quality management methodology that is used to improve processes and reduce defects. It is based on the principle that by understanding the root causes of defects, it is possible to eliminate them.

2025-01-03

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