Learn about kaizen blitz, its benefits, elements, and differences with the kaizen method. Discover the stages involved in implementing the kaizen blitz methodology.
Kaizen blitz, also known as kaizen event, is a small but comprehensive and actionable effort to identify areas for improvement in a business process and quickly implement recognized solutions effectively. As a short-term process-improvement approach, it involves fewer people, is executed within a few days, focuses on a specific area, and intends to show visible results in a short period of time.
Kaizen blitz follows the concept of the improvement cycle DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) which improves business processes using data-driven techniques. Their main difference, however, is that while the cycle of DMAIC can span for months, kaizen blitz is with "blitz" suggesting something that is quick and intense characterized by its short duration and speedy implementation.
Key Takeaways:
Rapid Process Improvement – A short-term, intensive improvement event typically lasting 2-10 days focused on solving a specific problem with visible results
Data-Driven Approach – Uses systematic analysis, measurement, and evidence-based methods (DMAIC) to identify and validate solutions
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Brings together team members from different departments with clear roles and decision-making authority to solve problems efficiently
Management-Supported – Requires active participation of top management and decision-makers to empower teams and accelerate implementation
Immediate Implementation – Solutions are developed, validated, and implemented during the event rather than awaiting lengthy approval processes
Three-Stage Framework – Follows Preparation (14-45 days), Kaizen Event (2-10 days), and Implementation (0-60 days) stages for complete success
Kaizen blitz follows the concept of the improvement cycle DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) which improves business processes using data-driven techniques. Their main difference, however, is that while the cycle of DMAIC can span for months, kaizen blitz is—with “blitz” suggesting something that is quick and intense—characterized by its short duration and speedy implementation.
Businesses use the kaizen blitz method for continuous process improvement and better team performance. Choosing to apply this method among many other tools not only leads to significant, visible, and measurable improvements but also offers the following key benefits and advantages:
uses simple tools and processes
encourages collaboration
encourages high level of commitment
highlights quick decision making
implements feasible solutions
delivers immediate results
bases success on data and analysis
Kaizen is a Japanese term which means “change for the better”, “continuous improvement”, or simply just “improvement”. It is a widely-used business philosophy designed to improve operations and internal processes. Blitz, meanwhile—is a term originating from the German word “blitzkrieg” which means a “sudden and concerted attack” or an “intensive overwhelming force.”
In the business perspective, kaizen blitz can therefore be defined as a sudden intensive effort to dismantle a process, analyze its weakness, and rebuild it back to form something better. But what is its main difference to the kaizen method?
Businesses incrementally implement kaizen on a bigger scale, it involves several other principles, and it could often take a while before the initiative reaches a significant result. Kaizen blitz, on the other hand, is a quick “event” that applies the concept of kaizen to solve a specific problem while also aiming for a tangible solution in a short period of time.
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The kaizen blitz is divided into three major stages and each stage involves multiple other steps and activities that contribute to a successful conclusion of the project. Learn more about the kaizen blitz stages and steps in the following:
Kaizen Blitz Stages
This stage is also called pre-kaizen preparation and normally lasts from 14-45 days. Preparation is where issues and problems that require immediate attention are stated and identified. Aside from that, it also includes the following steps:
Identity a sponsor/s from top management
Define the scope of the problem/process to be addressed
Set SMART —Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—objectives and identify boundaries
Select the team leader and team members and assemble a meeting
Collect data and available information relevant to the problem
As the name suggests, this stage is the actual kaizen blitz where team members and relevant stakeholders gather to focus and improve certain business processes. This stage can last from 2-10 days on average and requires you to do the following activities:
Train members on blitz process
Review the current situation
Identify key issues (vs the objectives)
Collect and analyze data (engage with customers and stakeholders)
Develop workable and high impact solutions
Validate and implement solutions
Put together a summary of the analysis
Prepare plan for continuous implementation
Present recommendations and gain approval from sponsor/s and other stakeholders
Also sometimes referred to as Follow-Up, Implementation is the blitz stage after the kaizen event. This stage can last from 0-60 days depending on the complexity of the project, this includes the following activities:
Keep implementing the solutions for continuous improvement
Coordinate process changes to stakeholders and all employees
Measure success and project benefits
Submit project achievements to sponsor/s or top management
Measurement of success can vary based on the identified problem and techniques used but a successful kaizen blitz project should generally include:
The problem to be addressed should be an issue that everyone involved considers critical and should therefore be prioritized. This way, it would be easier to form a robust kaizen blitz team and get everyone onboard the project.
Ensure a data-based method and analysis to enable the team to come up with actionable solutions. Use a prioritization matrix to help identify which ideas from the team can yield the most appropriate and efficient results.
For a more data-driven approach, you can also make use of problem-solving tools such as the Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, and 5W1H or a practical approach of applying the Gemba Walk.
Since blitz is a short-term initiative, form a team with specific functions who can do their tasks efficiently. Objectives, boundaries, and constraints should also be clear so all people involved know how to best contribute to reach the shared goals.
Active participation of top management not only boosts the morale of the team but also empowers them to take actions and make decisions. Consistent perspective straight from decision-makers as the event advances also helps ensure a progressive result.
Aside from the above-mentioned elements, businesses and teams that practice the kaizen blitz method can also make use of new technologies to ensure continuous process improvement.
Kaizen blitz or kaizen event involves several stages, steps, factors, and people. It requires consistent tracking to measure the effectiveness of implemented solutions and note improvements in the processes.
Mitti (by SafetyCulture) is a digital tool that industry leaders can use to streamline all the processes involved in a kaizen blitz. This tool helps ensure that all relevant people are on the same page and enables leaders to keep blitz members updated with changes. Aside from utilizing kaizen tools and templates, Mitti (by SafetyCulture) also allows you to do the following:
Save all your data, blitz documents, and other files used with cloud-based recordkeeping. Access them anytime, anywhere.
Let team members and other relevant stakeholders edit, add notes and recommendations, and attach additional media proof by modifying access levels accordingly.
Suggest solutions and document them by directly creating actions or identifying them as issues.
Generate kaizen blitz reports in Web, PDF, and other file formats that can be shared with your team and relevant stakeholders.
Build seamless workflows, assign blitz tasks to team members, and add as many users as needed.
Communicate effectively with your team during the stages of preparation, kaizen event, and implementation using Heads Up.
Monitor effectiveness, constraints, and issues through the analytics dashboard to ensure continuous process improvement.
Other Mitti (by SafetyCulture) checklists you might find useful:
Find other templates in our Public Library that may be relevant to your kaizen blitz initiative.
