Which term describes a manufacturing process that focuses on continuous improvement over time?

The term that describes a manufacturing process focusing on continuous improvement over time is Kaizen. This concept is rooted in the idea of incremental enhancements in workflow, efficiency, and productivity. It embodies a philosophy where all employees are encouraged to identify opportunities for improvement regularly, leading to significant advancements when aggregated over time.

Kaizen emphasizes small, consistent changes rather than large, radical shifts, promoting a culture of sustained improvement that involves everyone in the organization. This methodology is essential in manufacturing as it seeks not only to enhance the processes but also to engage workers at all levels, leading to a more motivated workforce and a more efficient production system.

While other options relate to improvements in processes, they do not encapsulate the commitment to continuous, incremental change in the same holistic way as Kaizen. For example, Agile Manufacturing focuses on flexibility and responsiveness to market demands, Lean Production aims to eliminate waste and optimize efficiency, and Process Reengineering involves rethinking and redesigning processes to achieve significant improvements. However, none of these concepts inherently emphasize the ongoing, collaborative effort for small improvements in the same manner as Kaizen.