The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence

Background to the Shingo Prize

The Shingo Prize For Operational Excellence is just starting in the UK but has been operating in the USA for 20 years. It is named after Japanese industrial engineer Shigeo Shingo who distinguished himself as one of the world’s leading experts in improving manufacturing processes. Dr. Shingo has been described as an “engineering genius” who helped create and write about many aspects of the revolutionary manufacturing practices which comprise the renowned Toyota Production System. The Prize was established in 1988 to promote awareness of lean manufacturing concepts and to recognize companies that achieve world-class manufacturing status around the globe.

The Shingo Prize philosophy is that world-class business performance may be achieved through focused improvements in core manufacturing and business processes. There are two components:

The Shingo Prize - promotes use of world-class operational excellence strategies and practices to achieve world-class results in business and public sector/government owned facilities.

Research Prize - promotes research and writing regarding new knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes.

To be considered for the Shingo Prize a comprehensive report following specific guidelines must be submitted and if shortlisted, a two-day site visit follows by experienced assessors. The assessors consider whether, on each criteria, the company is operating on the 'tools' level, the 'system' level, or the 'principles' level. Companies receive a comprehensive report.

Shingo Prize, SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) and AME (Association for Manufacturing Excellence) have also begun individual Lean Certification.