From August 3 to 6, 2026, a working delegation from the Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnership Association (AOTS) in coordination with the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) conducted a post-training evaluation survey for trainees of the Program on Productivity Improvement for Vietnam – Comprehensive Kaizen Enhancement for Digital Transformation (DX) – VNPI FY2022.
As part of the program, the delegation—including Prof. Dr. Kentaro Minagawa (Osaka Institute of Technology), Ms. Mayumi Takahashi (AOTS Representative), and IMT representatives—visited, engaged in direct discussions, and conducted an on-site factory (Gemba) survey at Cat Van Loi Industrial Electrical Equipment Manufacturing JSC. Held three years after the completion of the training program, this survey aimed to assess real-world changes in management capabilities, operational practices, and the company's future growth direction.
1. Practical Application of VNPI 2022 Knowledge in Operations & Production Management
After three years of persistent implementation, participation in the VNPI program has provided Cat Van Loi’s management team with a broader, more in-depth perspective on modern governance. Production management at the factory has undergone a clear transformation: basing decisions on data, placing people at the center, and using process optimization as a foundation.
On-site observations at Cat Van Loi’s production floor (Gemba) demonstrated that core Japanese tools and methodologies have been successfully integrated into daily operations:
-
Kaizen & Lean: Cultivating a spirit of continuous improvement from the smallest tasks, eliminating waste across all stages of industrial electrical equipment manufacturing.
-
5S & Visual Management: The factory floor is organized systematically and scientifically; visual boards and indicator systems help workers and managers easily track operational status and instantly spot abnormalities.
-
Process Standardization: Establishing and standardizing operating procedures to maintain consistent, high-quality product output.
-
Knowledge Sharing Across the Organization: VNPI alumni have actively organized internal training sessions and mentored colleagues, instilling Kaizen mindset and practices deeply into the corporate culture.
2. Identifying Real-World Challenges in Implementation
Alongside the positive results, Cat Van Loi representatives openly shared the practical hurdles encountered while maintaining and scaling improvement activities:
-
Building and Sustaining Habits: Changing old working habits and encouraging workers to strictly adhere to 5S and Kaizen standards requires continuous effort and time.
-
Maintaining Standard Consistency: Ensuring established standards do not erode over time, especially during periods of high production volume and tight delivery deadlines.
-
Expanding Implementation Scope: Scaling improvement models from pilot areas to all production lines and factory departments demands synchronized resources and comprehensive solutions.
3. Digital Transformation Roadmap & Future Expectations
Building upon a solid Kaizen foundation, Cat Van Loi aims to transition into Digital Transformation (DX) to further enhance its market competitiveness. The company is actively focusing on adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Automation into its production management and operational systems.
Through the working session with AOTS and IMT, Cat Van Loi expressed key expectations for future collaboration:
-
Study Tours in Japan: A desire to participate in field trips to advanced manufacturing plants in Japan to learn about modern operating systems, next-generation automation technologies, and authentic Gemba improvement culture.
-
Japanese Partner Networking: Expectations to expand networking and business cooperation with Japanese partners for new product development, machinery/equipment investment, and technology transfer.
Conclusion
The survey visit by AOTS and IMT experts not only recognized Cat Van Loi’s commendable efforts and achievements over the past three years, but also opened up promising avenues for future collaboration. Guided by a strong Kaizen foundation and an innovative spirit, Cat Van Loi is confident in continuing to elevate its management capabilities, drive continuous improvement, and achieve sustainable growth in the new era.
Follow Us