Lean Management Solutions for Contemporary Manufacturing Operations: Applications in the automotive industry covers recent techniques aimed at improving manufacturing activities in automotive factories in the time of the fourth industrial revolution. The book informs the reader about some improvements in hard skills (such as technical concepts, new tools, processes, and applied designs), as well as soft skills (strategic planning and the psychology of motivating human resources in manufacturing setups). The book also presents insight for managers who are working with a niche of employees with disabilities with respect to the automotive industry. Topics in the book include: Application of Graph Theory in Workplace Design Applied Design Disability and the 4th Industrial Revolution People Development, Motivation & Results Low Cost Logistics Solutions Agile Methodologies in Manufacturing Projects This book is a concise, informative reference which updates the reader on recent strategies to maximize productivity in the auto manufacturing sector.

2006 SHINGO PRIZE for EXCELLENCE in MANUFACTURING RESEARCH Lean production has been proven unbeatable in organizing production operations, yet the majority of attempts to implement lean end in disappointing results. The critical factor so often overlooked is that lean implementation requires day-to-day, hour-by-hour management practices and skills that leaders in conventional batch-and-queue environments are neither familiar nor comfortable with. Creating a Lean Culture helps lean leaders succeed in their personal batch-to-lean transformation. It provides a practical guide to implementing the missing links needed to sustain a lean implementation. Mann provides critical guidance on developing and using the key elements of a lean management system, including: leader standard work, visual controls, daily accountability processes, maintaining a process focus, managing key HR issues, and much more. In addition, a questionnaire is included to help assess current management practices and monitor progress.

Lean Production for Competitive Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Lean Methodologies and Management Practices, Second Edition introduces Lean philosophy and illustrates the effective application of Lean tools with real-world case studies. From fundamental concepts to integrated planning and control in pull production and the supply chain, the text provides a complete introduction to Lean production. Coverage includes small batch production, setup reduction, pull production, preventive maintenance, standard work, as well as synchronizing and scheduling Lean operations. Detailing the key principles and practices of Lean production, the text also: Illustrates effective implementation techniques with case studies from a range of industries. Includes questions and completed problems in each chapter. Explains how to effectively partner with suppliers and employees to achieve productivity goals Designed for students who have a basic foundation in production and operations management, the text provides a thorough understanding of the principles of Lean. It also offers practical know-how for implementing a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor and in the office, creating a heightened sense of responsibility in all stakeholders, and enhancing productivity and efficiency to improve the bottom line. In this second edition, the author addresses management’s role in Lean production. Early observers of Japanese methods focused on the shop floor to see amazing things unlike anything practiced elsewhere. And the thinking was, if the "methods" could be adopted by companies elsewhere, those companies would experience the success of the Japanese. What the early observers hadn’t considered were dramatic differences in the way those companies were managed, both daily and strategically. The "management side" of Lean production is addressed in two new chapters, one devoted to daily management, the other to strategy deployment. Additionally, there is a new chapter that addresses breakthrough improvement and an approach to achieving it called Production Preparation Process. Every chapter has been revised and expanded to better tell the story of Lean production—its history, applications, practices, and methods.

The concept of lean production is not new, but the challenges of dramatic change management often stymie business leaders trying to put lean operations into place. This newly-revised and greatly expanded volume aims to provide a readable, real-world roadmap for putting into place the indispensable strategy and tactics managers need to make lean work and move their organizations - whether manufacturing or service-based - toward a world-class production system. Drawing upon decades of experience in the front lines of lean production and organizational transformation, the author provides cases, anecdotes, examples, rationales and concrete tools to help business leaders stop talking about lean production and actually make progress toward achieving it. It's the perfect resource for leaders at all levels who are interested in improving their competitiveness, building more successful operations, and moving toward world-class performance in customer satisfaction, profitability, and employee satisfaction. Contains in-depth "insight" chapters that explore key principles of the strategy with detailed explanations, examples, anecdotes, graphics, and comments by business leaders experienced in each area. Addresses the use of lean production principles and tools in service organizations and small companies. Provides actual case histories of successful implementation in a variety of organizations. Includes explanatory graphics and charts, including key steps and measurements for use in implementation. Features an extensive glossary and additional recommended reading.

Develops a model for lean management. This book demonstrates a model framework consisting of four critical components: leadership, culture, team and tools. It offers a path to develop lean leaders with practical, actionable guidelines.

Performance management, the primary focus of a Lean organization, occurs through continuous improvement programs that focus on education, belief systems development, and effective change management. Presenting a first-of-its-kind approach, The Lean Management Systems Handbook details the critical components required for sustainable Lean management.

Winner of a Shingo Research and Professional Publication AwardThe new and revised edition of this modern day classic provides the critical piece that will make any lean transformation a dynamic continuous success. It shows you how to implement a transformation that cannot fail by developing a culture that will have all your stakeholders involv