Gembutsu

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Gembutsu (現物, Gembutsu^?) is a Japanese word meaning “real thing” and it is a component of the Three Reals as related to lean manufacturing (or Toyota Production System).

This is the Japanese mindset teaching that when there is a problem somewhere (on the shop floor of a factory for example), one should get as close to the problem as possible before proposing a solution. By observing the actual process or problem at the actual place where it is occurring, the problem solver is able to obtain actual data or facts, which will improve the chances for a better solution. This in in contrast to the Western thinking in which managers make decisions in a remote location (like behind a desk), armed only with second hand information from others.

[edit] The Three Reals

The Three Reals are a fundamental element of kaizen (改善, kaizen^?). They are:

1. the shop floor or gemba (現場, gemba^?).
2. the actual product or gembutsu.
3. the real facts and data or genjitsu (現実, genjitsu^?).

[edit] External links

• Lean Manufacturing Training
• Lean Manufacturing Glossary