organization must satisfy to be registered or certified. These elements are policy, planning, implementation and operations, checking and corrective action, and management review. Just In Time (JIT) Used to describe a manufacturing process in which materials arrive as close as possible to the time required. Implementation of "just in time" techniques to reduce lot sizes, reduce setup times, slash work-in-process inventory, reduce waste, minimize non-value-added activities, improve throughput, and reduce manufacturing cycle time. JIT production typically involves use of "pull" signals to initiate production activity, in contrast to work-order ("push") systems in which production scheduling typically is based on forecasted demand rather than actual orders. In many "pull" systems, a customer order/shipment date triggers final assembly, which in turn forces replenishment of component inventory at upstream stages of production. Kaizen Method A term originating from Japanese industry relating to a philosophy for continual quality improvement (CQI).  Individuals and teams feel empowered to take personal steps toward minimization of: Defective finished products and inventory (zero defects) Inefficient work methods, and unnecessary movements and transfers while handling goods Key Performance Indicators (KPI) A select number of key measures that enable performance to be monitored against targets. The KPI will indicate how well the business is doing at attaining its goals. In a manufacturing quality scenario, this may be the amount of scrap or rework that gets metered. In a service quality scenario, such as an insurance company, this may be the open inventory of unprocessed claims. In brand management, market share in