The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence is named for Japanese industrial engineer Shigeo Shingo who distinguished himself as one of the world’s leading experts in improving manufacturing processes. Dr. Shingo has been described as an “engineering genius” who helped create and write about many aspects of the revolutionary manufacturing practices which comprise the renowned Toyota Production System.

The Shingo Prize was established in 1988 to promote awareness of lean concepts and to educate, assess and recognize companies that achieve world-class operational excellence status around the globe. The Shingo Prize philosophy is that world-class business performance is achieved through a deep understanding and integration of lean principles, lean systems of management, and the wise application of lean tools and techniques to create a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.

The Shingo Prize recognizes organizations and research that is consistent with its mission and model with the following recognition programs:

• The Shingo Prize - promotes use of world-class operational excellence strategies and practices to achieve world-class results in business and public sector/government owned facilities.
• Research Prize - promotes research and writing regarding new knowledge and understanding of operational excellence.

Recipients of The Shingo and Research Prizes are honored at the international Shingo Prize Annual Conference.

The Shingo Prize is directed by the Board of Governors who are leading representatives of businesses, professional organizations, and academic institutions. A dedicated management team oversees day-to-day operations. Individuals who have distinguished themselves in the area of operational excellence are able to serve as promotional ambassadors through The Shingo Prize Academy.