Using Video to Support the Process Walk

I was talking to a consulting client the other day, and mentioned that it would be helpful to use a video camera to record a secondary process that would affect a kaizen team’s decisions. This other location is quite a long ways away, so it would chew up a lot of time in the car that could be better spent making improvements. The conversation gave me an idea for a blog article on the use of a video camera to support a process walk.

A video of the process is a good option when there are time restrictions, such as in the instance mentioned above, or for a few other reasons.

1. The process is a long one. Watching several cycles can be done more quickly with a fast-forward button.
2. There isn’t a lot of room. Many people can watch a projector screen, but may not be able to crowd around an operator.
3. When the process is inconvenient. If it takes too much time to review a process, and it is not central to the kaizen, a video review is a good alternative.
4. To get a second opinion. Not every kaizen will be led by an expert. When a team needs a little assistance, a quick review by an expert, whether in-house or a consultant (I happen to know of a good one…), can make a big difference to a team.
5. To catch problems. It is far easier to scan through a video for abnormal conditions than to sit in an area watching for days on end.