Good point. There are lots of different ways to label the same thing. The important thing, though, is that the terminology is used consistently throughout the organization to prevent confusion.

To that point, I use the term “process walk” differently than “going to gemba”. For me, it is a thorough review of an operation during an improvement project. It involves detailed documentation and observation. Going to gemba, in my mind, is more of a quick check to avoid discussing something that can be observed firsthand, or simply a leadership style of being present in an operation.

Thanks for the comment.
Jeff

In Xerox we have a strong Lean Six Sigma culture. Go to GEMBA for us is normally referred as “Walk the Process”.

Regards,

Antonio Souza Jr