Asakai is not just a morning meeting; it is the daily rhythm of operational excellence. In this guide, you will find all the steps of a successful morning meeting, from the preparation phase to action tracking.

Ensuring the infrastructure is ready before the meeting starts is the first rule of discipline.

  • Visual Management Board: Meetings must take place at the "Gemba" (the actual place where work happens) in front of a board. The board should provide up-to-date data on OHS (Occupational Health & Safety), Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
  • Timing & Location: Meetings should be held at the same time every day (preferably at the start of the shift) and at the same spot.
  • Defining Roles: A moderator must be selected. To develop leadership skills, the moderator role should be rotational within the team.

 

To maintain focus and efficiency, the meeting is strictly limited to 15 minutes. The following agenda ensures every second counts:

  • Safety First (2 Mins): Any accidents or "near-miss" incidents from the last 24 hours are shared immediately. Safety is always our top priority.
  • Performance Review (5 Mins): Did yesterday's KPIs meet the targets? Red zones (deviations from targets) on the board are identified to visualize current performance.
  • Daily Goals (5 Mins): The critical workload, resource allocation, and priorities for today are clarified within the team to ensure alignment.
  • Problem Detection (3 Mins): Reasons for deviations are briefly stated.

Note: This is a designated slot for problem identification, not problem solving. Longer discussions are moved to sub-group meetings.

"Golden rules" to keep the process efficient:

  • The 3-Minute Rule: If a discussion on a topic exceeds 3 minutes, the moderator cuts it off and notes it down to be discussed by relevant parties in a sub-group after the meeting.
  • Action Tracking: Every problem identified during the meeting is recorded in the action list with an "Owner" and a "Deadline."
  • Stay Standing: To keep energy levels high and ensure the time limit is respected, everyone must remain standing throughout the meeting.

 

"Today's goals are clear, responsibilities are assigned. We wish everyone a safe and productive shift." Closing should always be done with positive energy and a clear focus.