Gemba means “ground” in Japanese, and gemba is where the action takes place.
The gemba walk is a tour of a factory or workshop by one or more managers. It’s a process during which one observes with one’s own eyes the reality in the place where value is created, thereby obtaining information directly without reliance on intermediaries.
This tool therefore favors analysis in the field rather than behind a desk. This reduces the risks of making decisions based on reported information or assumptions. It also contributes to the manager’s credibility among operators.
The gemba walk is carried out on a regular basis, but it can also be triggered on an ad-hoc basis when a malfunction occurs.