Gemba Walk Checklist
Gemba Walk Checklist is a form containing a series of checkpoints and questions validated by managers during their regular Gemba Walk.
Before the Gemba Walk:
- Define Objectives:
- Clarify the purpose of the Walk (e.g., understanding workflow, identifying waste, gathering employee feedback).
- Schedule:
- Arrange a convenient time with the team being visited, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Prepare Questions:
- Develop a list of open-ended questions to guide your observations and discussions (e.g., What are the current challenges? How can processes be improved?).
- Gather Data:
- Review relevant data and metrics beforehand to compare with your observations during the Walk.
During the Gemba Walk:
- Observe:
- Watch processes and activities closely without interrupting or influencing ongoing work.
- Engage:
- Talk to employees to understand their roles, challenges, and ideas for improvement.
- Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to responses.
- Take Notes:
- Record observations, notable practices, issues identified, and potential improvement opportunities.
- Follow the Process Flow:
- Trace the workflow from start to finish to understand the sequence of activities and any bottlenecks.
- Look for Waste:
- Identify any inefficiencies, unnecessary steps, or sources of waste in the processes.
- Check Safety and Quality:
- Assess safety practices and adherence to quality standards.
After the Gemba Walk:
- Debrief:
- Meet with the team to discuss findings, confirm observations, and gather additional insights.
- Prioritize Actions:
- Determine which improvements or changes should be prioritized based on impact and feasibility.
- Follow-Up:
- Assign responsibilities, set timelines, and follow up on action items resulting from the Gemba Walk.
- Feedback:
- Provide feedback to the team visited, acknowledging their efforts and contributions.
- Document Insights:
- Document your observations and the outcomes of the Gemba Walk for future reference and continuous improvement.
Additional Tips:
- Respect and Listen: Show respect for the frontline workers’ expertise and listen attentively to their perspectives.
- Stay Focused: Keep the Gemba Walk focused on observing and understanding processes rather than solving problems on the spot.
- Promote Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement by sharing insights and lessons learned from the Gemba Walk.
Pre-Gemba Walk Preparation:
- Select eAuditor Audits & Inspections App:
- Choose a eAuditor Audits & Inspections suitable for Gemba Walks that allows you to record observations, take notes, and capture photos/videos.
- Define Objectives:
- Clarify the purpose and objectives of the Gemba Walk.
- Schedule and Notify:
- Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections app to schedule the Walk and notify the team being visited.
- Prepare Questions:
- Enter pre-defined questions or prompts into the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to guide your observations and discussions during the walk.
- Review Data:
- Access relevant data or reports within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to compare with real-time observations during the walk.
During the Gemba Walk:
- Record Observations:
- Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to record detailed observations of processes, workflows, and activities.
- Capture photos or videos to document specific instances or examples.
- Document Issues and Opportunities:
- Log any issues, inefficiencies, or improvement opportunities directly in the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
- Use tags or categories to classify observations (e.g., safety concerns, quality issues, workflow bottlenecks).
- Engage with Team Members:
- Conduct interviews or discussions with frontline workers.
- Record responses and insights directly in the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
- Real-Time Updates:
- Update findings and notes in real-time during the walk to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Post-Gemba Walk Follow-Up:
- Generate Reports:
- Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to generate reports summarizing observations, issues identified, and proposed actions.
- Assign Actions:
- Assign action items directly from the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to team members responsible for implementing improvements.
- Track Progress:
- Monitor progress on action items and follow-up tasks within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
- Review and Analyze Data:
- Analyze data collected during the Walk to identify trends or recurring issues.
- Share Insights:
- Share insights and findings with relevant stakeholders or teams using the eAuditor Audits & Inspections’ sharing features.
Additional Tips:
- Customization: Customize the eAuditor Audits & Inspections’ checklist and templates to align with specific organizational needs or industry standards.
- Integration: eAuditor Audits & Inspections integrates with other systems or tools used for tracking performance metrics or managing projects.
- Training: Provide training to users on how to effectively use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections for Gemba Walks to maximize its benefits.