Industrial Discipline

Industrial discipline is the act of doing the right thing on the shop floor. Industrial discipline means practicing 5S and putting tools away, using andons to report problems even if it makes you look bad, and following Standard Work every time.

Industrial discipline is an enabler of Lean. When people do what is asked of them with minimum supervision, Lean thrives. Industrial discipline is most effective when employees are trusted rather than closely monitored. When workers are…

• engaged with their work,
• satisfied with their job,
• and given respect, responsibility, and authority,

…they have a much greater incentive to follow rules and processes and creatively participate in a continuous improvement culture.