A Lean strategic planning technique used in quality-focused industries to promote collaboration among employees and foster a culture of excellence. The method involves walking around the workplace and observing employees at work to spot areas for improvement and areas where improvements can be made.

One key component of a successful Gemma walk is to have a checklist that outlines what to look for during your assessments. This ensures that you don't miss important details and will be able to provide useful suggestions that is relevant.

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

1 Work in Process (WIP): Analyze how much inventory is on hand and whether there is a reliable logistical network to meet current demand. Consider implementing tools such as JIT production or TPS to eliminate overproduction and optimize resource allocation.

2 Underutilized Equipment: Look for equipment that is idle. Identify the root cause of this shortcoming, and execute a plan to streamline operations or eliminate underperforming assets.

3 5S Implementation: Evaluate the level of 5S compliance, which involves organizing and upkeeping the work area. 5S stood for Sort, Set in order, Clean, Standardize, and Sustain. Employees who have excelled 5S can optimize processes and work more effortlessly.

4 Energy Efficiency: Check whether all appliances and illumination are being used efficiently to prevent waste and reduce the effects of energy consumption on the environment.

5 Material Utilization: Evaluate to see if materials and inputs are being used correctly, and whether unnecessary materials are available in the area. Consider adoption product Kanban to minimize waste and plan suitable stockpiling.

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

7 Employee Development: Engage with employees about their current situation and problems they encounter daily. Assess their training level, recognize areas where learning and development are required, and implement a plan to fill skills gaps.

8 Employee Feedback Channels: Evaluate how employees give feedback on areas of enhancement 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 Compliance: 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 positive outcomes to workplaces.