A quality-focused manufacturing evaluation method used in Lean manufacturing to promote collaboration among employees and drive continuous improvement. The method involves walking around the workplace and observing employees at work to spot areas for improvement and opportunities for growth.

One key component of a successful Gemma walk is to have a checklist that outlines what to observe during your evaluations. This ensures that you don't overlook critical factors and will be able to provide constructive feedback that is relevant.

Here are some key items to include on a Gemba walk checklist:

1 Work in Process (WIP): Analyze how much stock is on hand and whether there is a sufficient supply chain to meet current demand. Consider implementing tools such as JIT production or TPS to reduce waste and optimize resource allocation.

2 Idle Equipment: Look for machinery that is idle. Identify the root cause of this inefficiency, and implement a plan to streamline operations or phase out underperforming assets.

3 5S Implementation: Assess the level of 5S achievement, which involves organizing and upkeeping the work area. 5S stood for Categorize, Set in order, Shine, Establish, and Maintain. Employees who have excelled 5S can optimize processes and work more efficiently.

4 Energy Use: Verify whether all appliances and lighting are being used efficiently to prevent waste and reduce the effects of energy consumption on the environment.

5 Material Waste: Evaluate to see if materials and supplies are being used efficiently, and whether inefficient materials are available in the area. Consider adoption product Raw Material Kanban to avoid item expiry and optimize inventory levels.

6 Water and iso consulting services firm Wastewater Management: Identify potential sources of waste that can be minimized by utilizing an efficient water management system, also known as 'water-based waste.' For example, use leak-proof containers and other hazard mitigation measures can help minimize product loss and waste.

7 Employee Development: Engage with employees about their current condition and problems they face regularly. Assess their training level, identify areas where personal growth are required, and execute a plan to fill skills gaps.

8 Employee Feedback Channels: Evaluate how employees give feedback on areas of improvement and develop effective communication systems so that they can provide input assertively. It can also be helpful to evaluate employee suggestions to identify the most practical ones.

9 Regulatory Adherence: Verify whether employees comply with local regulations and company policies to ensure compliance.

By following a set of detailed assessment tools, leaders can use the Gemma walk strategy to evaluate specific business operations, supply chains, or teams. By evaluating the day-to-day processes, operations managers are given the opportunity to suggest small or minor adjustments that bring immediate improvements to workplaces.