Kaikaku or "Kaizen Blitz" is the subject of a separate section in this book. Kaikaku is "enforced" breakthrough. It is breakthrough because typical kaikaku events achieve between 25% and 70% improvements within either a week or within a month at most. It is enforced because the expectations and opportunities are all in place. "No" and "it can't be done" are simply not acceptable. Concentrated resources are applied.

It may be argued that Kaikaku is not "continuous" improvement. Strictly, this is correct. Yet kaikaku events can and should be repeated in the same area at regular intervals. Products change, priorities change, people change, technology improves.

Don't let the Deming PDCA cycle stand for "Please Don't Change Anything".