A performance-driven strategic planning technique used in Lean manufacturing to encourage teamwork among employees and foster a culture of excellence. The technique involves conducting observations 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 actionable.

Here are some key items to include on a Lean evaluation checklist:

1 Work in Process (WIP): Check how much inventory is on hand and whether there is a reliable logistical network to meet current demand. Consider implementing tools such as Just-In-Time production or TPS to eliminate overproduction and minimize waste.

2 Idle Equipment: Look for equipment that is idle. Identify the root reason of this inefficiency, and implement a plan to improve utilization or eliminate underperforming assets.

3 5S Adoption: Assess the level of 5S compliance, which involves maintaining and maintaining the work area. 5S stood for Categorize, Organize, Shine, Standardize, and Maintain. Employees who have mastered 5S can reduce waste and work more effortlessly.

4 Energy Use: Check whether all appliances and lighting are being used responsibly to prevent waste and minimize the impact of energy consumption on the environment.

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

6 Water and Wastewater Management: Recognize potential sources of waste that can be minimized by implementing an effective water management system, also known as 'water-based waste.' For example, use leak-proof containers and other spill prevention measures can help minimize product loss and waste.

7 Employee Training: Engage with employees about their current situation and problems they face regularly. Assess their training level, recognize areas where personal growth are required, and implement a plan to address knowledge gaps.

8 Employee Feedback Channels: Assess how employees give feedback on areas of improvement and develop useful communication systems so that they can provide input confidently. It can also be helpful to assess employee suggestions to recognize the most practical ones.

9 Regulatory Adherence: Verify whether employees comply with local rules 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 recommend small or minor adjustments that bring immediate improvements to workplaces.