Kaizen is the Japanese term that originates "improvement." In TPS, or Toyota Production System, however, it is a management philosophy focused on the continuous improvement of the entire organization.

It's a foundational philosophy stating that all processes, regardless of how efficient they currently seem, are opportunities for small, incremental, and ongoing improvements.

Unlike radical, large-scale innovation, Kaizen involves every employee, from top management to factory floor workers, who are empowered to identify and eliminate waste (Muda), inconsistency (Mura), and overburden (Muri).

This focus on daily, low-cost enhancements creates a culture of constant refinement, driving quality, lowering operational costs, and maintaining long-term competitiveness in manufacturing.