Target and Kaizen costing

The author describes the target and Kaizen costing concept, one of the manufacturing techniques developed in Japan. Target costing is a process ensuring that products and services are designed such that the company can sell them cheaply and still make a fair profit. Kaizen costing continues the focus on value and profitability into the manufacturing phase, both for new and existing products. Combining the two techniques provide the basis of a total cost management system, managing costs throughout a product's life.