Lean For Dummies

by Natalie J. Sayer

Take charge and engage your enterprise in a Lean transformationHave you thought about using Lean in your business or organization, but are not really sure how to implement it? Or perhaps you're already using Lean, but you need to get up to speed. "Lean For Dummies" shows you how to do more with less and create an enterprise that embraces change. In plain-English, this friendly guide explores the general overview of Lean, how flow and the value stream works, and the best ways to apply Lean to your enterprise.

This revised edition includes the latest tools, advice, and information that can be used by everyone -- from major corporations to small business, from non-profits and hospitals to manufacturers and service corporations. In addition, it takes a look at the successes and failures of earlier Lean pioneers -- including Toyota, the inventors of Lean -- and offer case studies and hands-on advice.The latest on the Six Sigma and Lean movementsThe role of technology and the expanding Lean toolboxCase studies enhance the material

"Lean For Dummies" gives today's business owners and upper level management in companies of all sizes and in all industries, the tools and information they need to streamline process and operate more efficiently.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Management, Entrepreneurship

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Mike Thelen · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, Natalie and Bruce do a great job of giving you a basic, full-bodied picture of Lean. It really does achieve the concept that the "...for Dummies" books strive for. I wish she would have focused a little more on Mura and Muri, but everyone seems to focus heavily on Muda and blow over the other two.

[Lee Bawanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone looking into Lean should get this book. Bring a pillow, as interesting as the concepts are, I've fell asleep reading this bad boy many times.

[Anders Gränfors · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still not through. The title is not that appealing to me. Despite that, the book turned out to be spot on.

[anne sim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Principles of lean:

1)customer value: measured by customer's willingness to pay, activity is able to transform goods/services, do it right the first time.
2)value-system analysis: find root cause to solve problems not symptom; 5Whys to identify root cause; tools - fishbone diagram, 80/20 chart; waste is identified (underutilization is also a waste).
3)everyday improvement: kaizen (individually and collectively); data is vital.
4)flow: is disrupted when one part of the system is not functioning; 5S process (sort, straighten, scrub, systematize, standardize)
5)pull: level scheduling practice; Kanban (take one, make one); 90% production and 10%maintenance
6)perfection: wastage and distraction sap creative energy, thus disable innovation; build in quality at the source; keep it simple.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a readable description of lean in general. it provided good insight on the tools of Lean and its philosophy of reducing waste, respect for people, continuous (small) improvements (kaisen).

It did try over and over again to say that Lean applies to more than just manufacturing where it started by Toyota. However, all its examples were around manufacturing and its key pillars (e.g. just in time) is heavy on the manufacturing side. I wish it had more insight on how to apply Lean to services and not just say that it should be applied to services (over and over again).

[Anne Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently I used this book to prepare for a presentation at work that addressed the value of standards. The thing I really love about this book is that Natalie brings in how the culture of your organization is the real key to sustaining the results your company will gain by implementing Lean principles. This book is so easy to read and apply! And apply to anything you are doing. I also find it helpful to use the process when I start a new endeavor. A great read for anyone! Even the experts will learn something new about Lean.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book because I thought I might get a chance to work on some Lean stuff at my job. But that seems to have fallen by the wayside, so I didn't actually finish it. And honestly, of all the Dummies books in my possession, I think I prefer the "Italian for Dummies". You know, being as it's related to things I enjoy: food, coffee, travel, and languages. Yes.

Oh, but as an intro to Lean and its concepts? I can highly recommend at least the first four chapters.

[Daniel]

Have you thought about using Lean in your business or organization, but are not really sure how to implement it? Or perhaps you’re already using Lean, but you need to get up to speed. Lean for Dummies will show you how to do more with less and create an e

[Du · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good introduction and overview on the lean style of management, cutting out waste and looking for ways to improve customer value.

I want the next step, but this was a good foundation, or refresher on the basics.

[Neil Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasonably good introduction to Lean. Could've been better if it spent a bit more time on the harder concepts like value stream mapping or provided good references to other places with deeper discussion of it.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to Lean Thinking, It goes over all the inportant elements and has enough depth to interest those who have previous familairity with the field.

[Donna · Rating 1 out of 5]

To be fair I got made redundant about 3 days after being asked to work in the implementation so...,

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference to get up-to-speed on lean concepts.

[Andy Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

not one of the best in the '... for dummies' series, but still a good reference book.

[Eddie Tran · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good start to learn about Lean

[Emily]

Waiting for Dr Eric to finish it so that i can borrow it! So excited to dig in. :)