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:

1. Define Objectives:
   • Clarify the purpose of the Walk (e.g., understanding workflow, identifying waste, gathering employee feedback).
2. Schedule:
   • Arrange a convenient time with the team being visited, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
3. 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?).
4. Gather Data:
   • Review relevant data and metrics beforehand to compare with your observations during the Walk.

During the Gemba Walk:

1. Observe:
   • Watch processes and activities closely without interrupting or influencing ongoing work.
2. Engage:
   • Talk to employees to understand their roles, challenges, and ideas for improvement.
   • Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to responses.
3. Take Notes:
   • Record observations, notable practices, issues identified, and potential improvement opportunities.
4. Follow the Process Flow:
   • Trace the workflow from start to finish to understand the sequence of activities and any bottlenecks.
5. Look for Waste:
   • Identify any inefficiencies, unnecessary steps, or sources of waste in the processes.
6. Check Safety and Quality:
   • Assess safety practices and adherence to quality standards.

After the Gemba Walk:

1. Debrief:
   • Meet with the team to discuss findings, confirm observations, and gather additional insights.
2. Prioritize Actions:
   • Determine which improvements or changes should be prioritized based on impact and feasibility.
3. Follow-Up:
   • Assign responsibilities, set timelines, and follow up on action items resulting from the Gemba Walk.
4. Feedback:
   • Provide feedback to the team visited, acknowledging their efforts and contributions.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. Define Objectives:
   • Clarify the purpose and objectives of the Gemba Walk.
3. Schedule and Notify:
   • Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections  app to schedule the Walk and notify the team being visited.
4. Prepare Questions:
   • Enter pre-defined questions or prompts into the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to guide your observations and discussions during the walk.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. Engage with Team Members:
   • Conduct interviews or discussions with frontline workers.
   • Record responses and insights directly in the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
4. Real-Time Updates:
   • Update findings and notes in real-time during the walk to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Post-Gemba Walk Follow-Up:

1. Generate Reports:
   • Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to generate reports summarizing observations, issues identified, and proposed actions.
2. Assign Actions:
   • Assign action items directly from the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to team members responsible for implementing improvements.
3. Track Progress:
   • Monitor progress on action items and follow-up tasks within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
4. Review and Analyze Data:
   • Analyze data collected during the Walk to identify trends or recurring issues.
5. 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.