The New Manufacturing Challenge: Techniques for Continuous Improvement

Suzaki's book, like the other introductory texts, describes the operations of factories practicing JIT/lean production, but not how to convert a traditional plant. It describes the destination but not the way to get there. This is appropriate for readers who are new to the subject, and Suzaki writes well enough to retain a manager's attention during air travel.

I still go back to this now a classic to get the sense out of it. There are many techniques, ideas, but more importantly, it points the appreciation of people engaged in the process of continuous improvement as a core to drive us to move forward. Whatever way people may call this stuff, the person who discovered the principle of improvement cannot but to move on in his life for the betterment.By the way, there is a 3.5hour video correponding to this book still available at SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers). Read the book, share the examples, confirm the principle, practice the heartbeat of improvement, and keep on moving forward.Good luck!

This is THE book for hands-on actual implementation of lean production techniques. This book answers the difficult problems accompaning implementation of the Toyota Production System. It is written in an easily understood straight-forward style. In my opinion this is the best book on boosting shopfloor efficiency. It does not shy away from discussing the problem areas. The author proves he has "been there and done it". An example is the Kanban system usually described in most books as a sytem where cards control the shop floor work flow. This book describes in detail various Kanban systems to handle the situations where the work flow is interrupted by processes requiring outside vendors or where an operation such as heat treating will slow the process. I rated this book five stars because it discusses real problems and solutions.

Anybody interested in reducing manufacturing cycle times should read this book (among others) to get some great examples of what can be done. It has many very specific examples and strong fundamental concepts. Very easy to read as well.

The book covers the basic concepts often associated with Toyota Production System. Suzaki takes it one step farther by adding his own creativity and experiences as a lean manufacturing consultant. This is one of the best and most inspirational books I have read on the subject of continuous improvements. ~ Rhett A. Cooper