Module 8 · Lesson 14 of 29

Principle 12: go and see the real situation

Learning objectives

Explain the purpose of principle 12: go and see the real situation in garment operations.
Describe when and how to apply principle 12: go and see the real situation on the shop floor.
Identify common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Decisions begin with direct observation at the actual place, actual item and actual conditions, supported by data.

Go respectfully; observe cycles; ask open questions; verify standards/data; record facts. Gemba is not a blame walk.

Examine defective garment, machine, method, material lot, operator conditions and time sequence before assigning cause.

Pick one answer per question. Explanations appear after you submit.

1. Which statement best captures the core idea of Principle 12: go and see the real situation?
- Decisions begin with direct observation at the actual place, actual item and actual conditions, supported by data.
- It is a purely financial control unrelated to shop-floor work.
- It replaces the need for standardized work and training.
- It applies only to fully automated factories.
2. A common mistake when applying principle 12: go and see the real situation is to:
- Applying the tool without observing actual garment-floor conditions.
- Involve operators and validate with data.
- Link the tool to the observed problem and follow-up plan.
- Update the standard after a confirmed improvement.

Author: Sanjeewa Dehiwalage · Last reviewed: 2026-07-21