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What are these remote Gemba challenges? A perceived lack of authority, the potential for missing crucial details, and connectivity issues spring to the forefront immediately. Today, we’ll show you how these potential issues lean more towards myth rather than fact and how entrepreneurial and fearless organizations can implement smart measures to overcome these challenges with only modest effort.
Establishing Authority in Gemba Walks
One of the most common misconceeptions about remote Gemba walks is the idea that supervisors or managers lose their authority when they aren’t physically present. However, it ought to be said that authority stems not from physical presence, but from leadership skills, clear communication, and following through.
Thus, the effectiveness of virtual Gemba walks should not differ too significantly from in-person visitations, at least not from the leaders’ perspective. They should still involve thorough preparation, setting clear expectations, and emphasize documenting findings in a collaborative way. And thus, this remote Gemba challenge shouldn’t pose a major risk to the overall ROI or the intended goal of maintaining continuous improvement, even when physical presence is not possible.
The Risk of Missing Crucial Details
Another crucial concern for skeptics involves the risk of missing crucial details during remote inspections. When floor managers conduct inspections in person, they can physically look into every nook and cranny with their own eyes. And while it’s true that cameras may not capture everything, this challenge can be mitigated by proper planning, resource allocation, and investing in advanced technologies.
To ensure nothing is overlooked, consider relying on an immersive 360° platform like Avatour to leverage the best technology possible. 360° capture provides a far more comprehensive view of the gemba than standard videoconferencing, allowing managers to see what they need to see, rather than only what someone chooses to show. At Avatour, we’re committed to bringing the most realistic in-person collaboration to remote teams, and thanks to cutting-edge technology—we can. Check out our ROI calculator to learn what you stand to gain!
Ensuring Seamless Connectivity
Connectivity issues can disrupt remote Gemba walks, leading to frustration for everyone involved. However, this challenge is less about inherent technical flaws and more about preparation. Many companies have already invested in network coverage of their production facilities to support IoT devices; these networks can often provide the best option for remote gemba walks. In some situations, LTE or 5G cellular connections can also be used, either as primary or secondary options.
Sure, a sudden power outage isn’t something you can have a contingency plan for. Still, organizations should invest in stable Internet connections and backup systems, such as mobile hotspots, to minimize any such risks. It also helps to test all equipment and software ahead of the inspection.
Fostering Continuous Improvement
Despite their differences from traditional Gemba walks, remote inspections can still uphold the principles of lean management. By integrating feedback from all stakeholders and continuously improving processes based on findings, companies can ensure that remote Gemba walks drive value.
Not only that, but including remote Gemba walks in and of themselves can be a part of the organization’s broader continuous improvement initiative. Try implementing a hybrid inspection model first, gather feedback, and understand whether this is the right solution based on these insights. See to it that your workforce has been trained well-enough, though, to capitalize on the remote nature of these inspections. It’s the only way to ensure they contribute to operational excellence.
The Takeaway
Overcoming Gemba obstacles in remote settings has its challenges, but these are far from insurmountable. Through a combination of authority, the right tools, and preparing ahead of time, companies can shape their way to success and increased operational efficiency just as well as with in-person inspections.
You may also read: Virtual Gemba Walks: Bringing Continuous Improvement to Remote Teams
