Gemba is a Japanese term meaning the actual place where value is created and where the work takes place. In manufacturing it usually refers to the shop floor, but it can also be a warehouse, an office, a laboratory, a construction site or any service environment.
Going to the Gemba means observing the real process directly, speaking with the people who perform the work and examining facts before making decisions. This practice helps managers understand problems in context, identify waste and support teams in developing practical improvements.
