Toru Yoshikawa

Development of the workflow kine systems for support on KAIZEN

In this paper, we introduce the new workflow line system consisted of the location and image recording, which led to the acquisition of workflow information and the analysis display. From the results of workflow line investigation, we considered the anticipated effects and the problems on KAIZEN. Workflow line information included the location information and action contents information. These technologies suggest the viewpoints to help improvement, for example, exclusion of useless movement, the redesign of layout and the review of work procedure. Manufacturing factory, it was clear that there was much movement from the standard operation place and accumulation residence time. The following was shown as a result of this investigation, to be concrete, the efficient layout was suggested by this system. In the case of the hospital, similarly, it is pointed out that the workflow has the problem of layout and setup operations based on the effective movement pattern of the experts. This system could adapt to routine work, including as well as non-routine work. By the development of this system which can fit and adapt to industrial diversification, more effective visual management (visualization of work) is expected in the future.

Evaluation of training effectiveness in participatory work improvement applying a good-practice approach in small-scale workplaces

The effectiveness of a participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) programme was evaluated to know adequate types of training tools. The programme applied PAOT methods developed for improving small-scale workplaces in industrially developing countries. By means of a newly designed questionnaire, the understanding of training participants in proposing ergonomic improvements for reducing work-related risks were compared before and after serially held training workshops. The results showed that the participants increased their capabilities to apply ergonomic improvements learned from local good practices addressing multiple technical areas. Factors contributing to the training effects included the focus on locally feasible improvements, the use of action-oriented training tools such as action checklists and improvement guides and group planning of immediate changes. The training effects thus relied on the consistent use of action tools focusing on locally feasible improvements. It is suggested to promote the use of participatory training tools that can facilitate the direct application of multifaceted, locally feasible improvements.

Study on workloads of human care worker with the introduction of IT system - the characteristics of work loads by observational research and the suggestions for KAIZEN.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristic of workloads on human care worker with the introduction of IT system, and suggested the support measures for KAIZEN in Japan. The investigation method is workflow line and hearing with a focus on work observation. The objects were 8 human care workers of the acute hospital that introduced an electronic system. By the introduction of the electronic chart, the nurse station sojourn time decreased, sickroom sojourn time increased, and time about direct nursing care to a patient increased. In addition, access to patient information became easy, and the offer of the health care service based on correct information came to be possible in real time. By The point of workflow line, it was effect that moving lengths decreased in order to install the electronic chart in patients rooms. Though, it was a problem that it hasnt formed where to place the instruments such as sphygmomanometer, clinical thermometer and others.