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In retrospect and seeing what is happpening right now at Toyota, this book is now completely outdated.
It is an outstanding basis for a class of any length on manufacturing methods and can apply as well to a construction equipment factory as it does to making kitchen cabinets in a garage (I have applied in both situations). So why not 5 stars. I have been in manufacturing for twenty years and this book is one of 8 or 10 that I would say are bedrock foundations for the field. Ultimately, though, it is not a bible.This is fallacy with the Toyota Way and how it is usually presented. That is the key question in this often over-hyped book. The Toyota Way is a tool-chest full of useful methods to implement in any sort of factory. So many people see it as the only book to use in setting up manufacturing and it is far from that. Pick and choose from the many techniques in the book, experiment with them, and reflect with true Hanshei on what applies to your business (or garage).
That being said, I found it to be a bit vague and long-winded. This book was my first real introduction to the Toyota Production System (TPS). I bought it looking for a starting point, and it served its purpose. I think major portions of the text could have been cut out while still conveying the same material.If you want a high-level overview of the TPS from an outside third-party, this book might be for you. If you're looking for specifics from one of the creators of the system, _Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production_ might be more your speed.
Somebody has to find a way to make this subject realistic and interesting, but this book ain't it. Just know that it won't be easy.That being said, this is probably the "standard" book on the subject, and you ought to have it on your shelf. You ought to try to read this book. You really need to absorb the material. I point at mine a lot. Once you fight your way through it, you probably will too.
My disclaimer: As with any opinion, it is only my opinion and these reviews will vary depending on who reads the book and what the reader is looking for. Good job Mr. I give it a 5 overall.
Good reading when you would like to be knocked out. Remember that Toyota has been leading the automotive industry in quality for years. I look for ways to improve businesses, this book shares many ideas and gives many applicable take-a-ways.On a 1 to 5 scale, 5 being the best:Readability: 1 I could handle about fifteen minutes of reading before I took a rest from it.
The reading is very dry, but it is loaded with valuable ideas that are applicable in just about any business. (That doesn't take from just how good this book is).Information andnew ideas: 5 There are a ton of ideas in this book that can be innovated on and used in other businesses.Applicable Ideas: 5 Ditto. Tons.Value: 5 It'll give you much more than the 20 dollars or so that it cost buy the book.
Who else to learn from than the best. LikerRip Walker Author: Rip's Book of Common Sense Selling: Improving Sales Through Process Implementation
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