The Shingo Model, developed by the Shingo Institute at Utah State University, provides a comprehensive framework for achieving organisational excellence. Named after Japanese industrial engineer Dr. Shigeo Shingo, a key figure in Lean Manufacturing and the Toyota Production System, the model focuses on embedding principles into organisational culture rather than relying solely on tools and methodologies.

The Shingo Model: A Comprehensive Framework for Excellence

Unlike traditional improvement approaches that prioritise tools and performance metrics, the Shingo Model advocates for a holistic integration of principles, systems, and tools:

• Principles: The fundamental beliefs that drive behaviours and decision-making at all levels.
• Systems: The structures and processes designed to reinforce the principles.
• Tools: The specific methods and techniques used within the systems to achieve desired outcomes.

This alignment ensures that improvement efforts lead to sustainable excellence rather than temporary gains.

Core Guiding Principles

The Shingo Model is built around ten guiding principles grouped into three dimensions:

Cultural Enablers

• Respect Every Individual – Fostering an inclusive and engaging work environment where employees feel valued.
• Lead with Humility – Encouraging leaders to seek input, listen, and learn from others to drive improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Seek Perfection – Committing to continuous learning and refinement of processes.
• Embrace Scientific Thinking – Using data-driven methods to solve problems and drive innovation.
• Focus on Process – Understanding that consistent results stem from well-designed processes.
• Assure Quality at the Source – Embedding quality control within processes to prevent defects.
• Flow & Pull Value – Ensuring value flows seamlessly to the customer based on demand.

Enterprise Alignment

• Think Systemically – Recognising interdependencies within the organisation to optimise performance.
• Create Constancy of Purpose – Maintaining a long-term vision and commitment to excellence.
• Create Value for the Customer – Prioritising customer needs to drive organisational decisions.

These principles serve as the foundation for a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

The Shingo Prize: Recognising Excellence

The Shingo Prize is a globally recognised award honouring organisations with exceptional operational excellence. More than just an award, it is a rigorous assessment process that evaluates how well an organisation embeds the principles of the Shingo Model into its culture.

Achieving the Shingo Prize signifies an organisation’s commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring sustainable excellence is built into its operations rather than relying on short-term initiatives.

Implementing the Shingo Model

For organisations looking to adopt the Shingo Model, key steps include:

Educating Leadership – Ensuring that leaders understand and embody the guiding principles.

Assessing Organisational Culture – Using tools like the Shingo Insight assessment to gauge alignment with the principles.

Aligning Systems and Processes – Modifying organisational structures to reinforce ideal behaviours.

Encouraging Continuous Learning – Participating in Shingo workshops and training to deepen understanding and application of the model.

The Benefits of Applying the Shingo Model

Organisations that integrate the Shingo Model into their culture can expect numerous benefits, including:

Enhanced Operational Efficiency – Streamlined processes and reduced waste.

Stronger Employee Engagement – A culture that values people leads to more significant commitment and satisfaction.

Improved Quality – A focus on process and quality assurance results in superior products and services.

Customer-Centric Operations – Prioritising customer value ensures alignment with market expectations.

By adopting the Shingo Model, organisations can move beyond temporary fixes and create a long-lasting culture of excellence. This approach fosters resilience, innovation, and a sustainable competitive advantage in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Start your Shingo Journey

The Manufacturing Institute is the longest-standing affiliate of the Shingo Institute in Europe. As such, we’re uniquely placed to help you use the Shingo Model to leverage your strengths and opportunities and reach a sustainable culture of organisational excellence.

Our virtual workshop includes a mix of interactive sessions, from presentations and case studies to group activities. You can find out when the next Shingo Workshop starts here, with further information about the module and how it works.

Contact The Manufacturing Institute team today if you have any questions about the workshop or our other training programmes. We’re always happy to help, and you can find our details here.