Bringing the best practices of lean manufacturing into the front office.
5/12/2003
It's about time we brought the best practices of lean manufacturing into the administrative side of business. After all, the office is where it all begins, from the first order to the last payment. The authors highlight the Toyota Production System as a best-practice model of lean production by "continuously minimizing waste and maximizing flow." Eight steps to achieve lean production and promote value stream management include how to map the current and future state of your business, identify lean metrics, and create and implement Kaizen plans (the process whereby all workers make small daily improvements to promote the total elimination of waste). This workbook provides guidelines, checklists, a case study, a glossary and a CD-ROM with supplemental worksheets and forms. It's a valuable primer for any manager wanting to streamline the production process.