Kaizen Settings are the settings for the Kaizen module in LeanSuite. Admins use them to set up how Kaizens are created and managed in their facility.
Who can do this: admins with permission to manage Kaizen settings.
Kaizen Settings appears in both states of the Kaizen parent menu. When you select it, it does two things at the same time.
For an overview of the menu, see Navigate the Kaizen parent menu.
Function 1: Opens the Add New window
The Add New window opens in the right-side panel.
Under Project Type, each project type is shown as a card with its module (for example Module : Kaizen). Each methodology inside it (for example PDCA (P, D, C, A)) shows:
Total Days to Due
Workload Threshold
the Enable Days to due by phase and Is Default toggles
the Days To Due and Workload(%) for each phase
the Templates for each phase
Use + Add Templates to add sections to a phase.
The Add New window gives you the setup options used when creating a Kaizen. For details, see:
Function 2: Activates the Kaizen features menu
This function activates the features of the Kaizen module in the parent menu. Each feature opens in the right-side panel when you select it.
The settings menu shows Savings Distribution, Kaizen Settings, Presentation Settings, Loss Management, Tool Management and Revised Due Date Reasons.
The features have their own nested options:
Presentation Settings: the logo size, fonts and phase colors used by the Present slide deck.
Loss Management: see Add a loss type in Kaizen.
Revised Due Date Reasons: see Add a revised due date reason.
Setting up Kaizen: the recommended order
If users see a "no workflow created" error, or a project type is missing from the create form, check that each step below is complete.
Open Kaizen Settings from the gear menu.
Add a project type. Choose the module (Kaizen or EWO) and give it a name, for example Quick Win, JDI or DMAIC.
Add a methodology and its phases, for example Basic Info, D-M-A-I-C or P-D-C-A. A project type only appears on the create form once it has a methodology. Methodology remains a mandatory field even when there is only one.
Add a template for each phase. Choose the sections that open automatically in that phase, such as Problem Description, 5W1H, 5 Whys or Action Plan, then save and apply.
Set the timeline. Use the pencil icon on the methodology to set Total Days to Due, or turn on Enable Days to due by phase and set Days To Due for each phase. Due dates are then set automatically. Delays trigger an email and a flag on the Kaizen Dashboard.
Create a workflow for the module and project type (waffle icon → Workflow → Add New). A workflow defines the statuses, the transitions between them and the rules for who can move a Kaizen. Project Source can also be used in workflow mapping.
Presentation Settings (in the settings menu): set the logo size, fonts and phase colors used by the Present slide deck. Refresh presentation mode after you change them.
Note: if Kaizen Settings is missing after you were given permission, log out and log back in.
Good to know
You can add custom sections built in Lean Creator (templates with Template Type = Kaizen). They appear under Add Templates in Kaizen Settings.
Admins can use Show fields on the create form to hide fields or make them required.