Kanban Made Simple: Demystifying and Applying Toyota's Legendary Manufacturing Process

by John M. Gross

Originally developed at Toyota, the approach to manufacturing known as Kanban has helped revolutionize how corporations and suppliers achieve maximum efficiency in getting products to and from the assembly line. When implemented properly, the Kanban technique minimizes waste, avoids overproduction, and ensures quick response to changes and problems.Kanban Made Simple is the first simple ‘how-to’ guide for incorporating the just-in-time ingenuity of the Kanban system into any manufacturing environment. From the Japanese word for “visual record,” the technique dictates that suppliers deliver parts to the warehouse only as they are needed, reducing storage in the production area. Using before-and-after case studies, this easy-to-follow guide contains information on establishing project goals, forming a Kanban team, and designing the process. Kanban Made Simple helps readers decide if Kanban is right for their organization, then teaches them how to train personnel and administer the program. A ready-to-use CD-ROM, included with the book, guides the Kanban team through the entire implementation process.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jack Vinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed through this book, rather than reading it full bore. But it did tantalize me with some things about Kanban that I haven't appreciated yet. For example, it is an execution system, not a planning system. There are buffers of material, rather than time as is done in TOC. And most important - the reason I wanted to peruse the book - Kanban is all about visual control of the process in question: visualize what's coming; what's happening; and what's done.