Toyota's quest for perfection
Toyota, the Japanese car maker is well known for its commitment to Kaizen or continuous improvement. Now it seems as though Toyota is embracing the mantra of Kakushin or radical innovation. Toyota’s president, Katsuaki Watanabe mentions in a recent interview with Harvard Business Review ( July-August 2007) that while Kaizen will continue as in the past, Kaikaku , drastic change or reform, will be equally important. At its new manufacturing facility in Takaoka, Toyota will change completely the way it makes cars. The processes at Takaoka will be simple, making it easier for people to observe abnormalities immediately. Robots, a new painting process and high-precision quality monitoring instruments, will help Toyota to strengthen its competitive position. The Takaoka lines will also have tremendous flexibility. As many as 16 models can be produced on two lines as against 4 or 5 on three lines earlier. Toyota’s relentless quest for perfection continues!
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