The Kaizen Revolution: How to Use Kaizen Events to Double Your Profits

The Kaizen Revolution is a good basic book on the implementation of the lean manufacturing process to improve quality and reduce cost as well as eliminating waste (muda) and inefficiency. The Kaizen method of continuous improvement is a Japanese management concept that focuses on gradual, incremental change. It is an improvement philosophy that assumes that every aspect in a production system needs to be constantly improved. The book explains how to prepare for Kaizen event, what happens during the event as well as the benefits of applying the concept to an organisation. Continuous improvement and lean manufacturing are modern management tools that show the benefits of gradual, incremental changes rather than radical changes. The book is written in the form of a story where it tales the reader through the Kaizen concept. This makes the book easy to read, follow and understand. All the essential basics are covered which gives the reader a strong foundation about what the Toyota Production System or lean manufacturing entails. This is good basic reading for people wishing to understand lean manufacturing concept. However, those seeking a deeper understanding of the subject need to consult other books such as "Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success by Masaaki Imai" or the "Kaizen Event Implementation Manual".

Mr. Regan presents an easy read in novel form (ala "The Goal" by Elyahu Goldratt) giving the reader a sound introduction to the Toyota Production System (aka Lean Manufacturing). Anyone reading this book can gain a sound understanding of what steps to take, and why to take them, as you begin on the Lean journey. You'll close the back cover with an understanding of many "Lean Concepts" as well as a very sound introduction to the how and why's of preparing for and conducting a Kaizen event. The chapter summaries are very beneficial in helping you capture the nuggets of knowledge that you can easily overlook as you become engrossed in the story. Don't let this book be your only source of knowledge on TPS, but be sure to include it in your reading.

I have about 4 years experience using and implementing many of the lean ideas and techniques described in Mr. Regan's book. I recently started a new job where one of my missions was to implement "lean manufacturing" in the facility. I have often struggled to describe the "event" tool and have had to resort to telling folks "you'll understand it when you do it." Mr. Regan's book is another tool in my personal tool box to use to effectively outline the "event" process before I throw a group of folks into one. "The Kaizen Revolution"'s narrative style is easy to read and is therefore effective for any and all levels of the organization. This is a must read for organizations considering a move to lean or are just starting one.

This book helped me understand what Kaizen is, how to get prepared for Kaizen event, what happens during Kaizen event, and what are the benefits of applying Kaizen in a company. This book is written in form of a fictional story, and walks you through Kaizen. I am using this book in a Kaizen event that I am currently leading.

Finally a book that makes Lean Manufacturing simple, like it should be, and utilizes Kiazen's as a process instead of a series of events. The story-like approach to instructing the principles of Lean Manufacturing and the simplified approach to the use of Kiazen will make this book a must read for all level of a manufacturing organization. I shared this book with others in my organization and immediately they desired to get started. Any book that helps break down the resistance to Lean Manufacturing concepts and shows you how to engage your workforce and their leadership in this common goal is a winner. I highly recommend this to anyone that is struggling with implementing Lean Manufacturing in their facility.