Yokoten
横展·yokoten·"horizontal deployment, sideways expansion"
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Yokoten is the horizontal deployment of learnings and best practices across an organization to multiply improvement impact.
Definition
Yokoten (meaning "horizontal deployment") is the practice of spreading learnings, improvements, and best practices laterally across an organization. When one area discovers a better method or solves a problem, yokoten ensures other areas benefit from that knowledge. Rather than each area reinventing solutions independently, yokoten multiplies the value of every improvement by deploying it widely. This requires systems for sharing learning, forums for cross-area communication, and a culture that values both creating improvements and adopting them from others.
Examples
A plant reduced changeover time by 70% through SMED. Yokoten deployed this improvement to sister plants: the methodology was documented, teams visited to observe and learn, and each plant adapted the approach to their equipment. The original improvement multiplied across the company.
Key Points
- Yokoten multiplies improvement value by spreading learnings horizontally
- Requires systems for documenting, sharing, and adapting improvements
- Recipients should adapt, not just copy—context differs
- Culture should value both creating improvements and learning from others
Common Misconceptions
Yokoten is just copying best practices. Good yokoten involves understanding principles, adapting to local context, and improving further. Mechanical copying without understanding often fails.
Yokoten happens automatically. Without deliberate systems—forums, documentation, visits, expectations—knowledge stays siloed. Yokoten requires organizational investment and cultural support.