Lean Manufacturing That Works: Powerful Tools for Dramatically Reducing Waste and Maximizing Profits

by Bill Carreira

"The one and only reason to go lean is to make more money", says Bill Carreira. Lean Manufacturing That Works is the first book to bring all the principles of lean manufacturing to where they're needed the shop floor and the people supervising daily operations. Engagingly written and easy to put to work, the book features essential tools that can help streamline operations in any manufacturing environment.Section 1 presents a thorough overview of lean, with discussions cost and cash flow; velocity and lead time; what waste is and how it affects both profit and customer satisfaction; how to quantify opportunities to become more profitable; and how to use lean manufacturing to both complement and implement business strategy.Section 2 gives step-by-step, dollar-by-dollar guidance on creating a lean process at virtually any manufacturing company, from laying out processes to transitioning and training employees. There is also valuable insight on establishing metrics and ensuring continuous improvement. Gaining specific, practical knowledge with every page, the reader will move effortlessly through the book and return to the shop floor with a workable plan for cutting waste and boosting profits.

295 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2004

Reviews

[Rolin Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have picked up this book and read parts of it several times but this is the first time that I managed to finish it. It is not a particularly well-written book and does not fully apply to my line of work. I did find its approach to lean manufacturing helpful and gained some valuable insights from it. My three takeaways are listed as follows:

1. Look at every action in your manufacturing process from the customer's perspective and analyze whether it is creating value for them.

2. Lean Manufacturing is about reducing waste that is not always evident at first glance. Things like overproduction and excessive inventory are waste.

3. Lean concepts will not make everyone work faster or more efficiently but helps guide to making sure that we are working on the right things.

I found this book to be a good introduction to lean manufacturing concepts.