What is Gemba?

Gemba, a Japanese term meaning "the real place," refers to the place where value is created. In business, it typically refers to the shop floor in manufacturing, the construction site in engineering, or any location where the primary work happens. The Gemba Walk is a lean management practice where managers and leaders go to the Gemba to observe processes, understand the work, ask questions, and learn. The purpose is to identify opportunities for improvement, solve problems collaboratively, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. It emphasizes direct observation and fact-finding at the source of the issue.