The author presents three concepts in applying lean principles to an organization:
(1) Hierarchies for managing large, complex systems and processes -- A template for all lean organizations is presented that allows functional (horizontal) and process-oriented (vertical) groups to be integrated into a single organizational hierarchy where command-and-control is clear and direct.
(2) The use of process models to define the organization's business processes -- A standard method of process modeling that allows business processes to be represented and managed as hierarchies. The benefit of this approach is that process management is implemented in a hierarchical fashion where the level of detail increases as you move down the levels in the hierarchy.
(3) A lean, bottom-up approach to business process reengineering - this works much better than traditional top-down approaches on larger, more complex business processes. This lean approach was successfully applied at a major automotive manufacturing company and was awarded the Charles F. "Boss" Kettering Award as one of the most important technological innovations in 2000.
This book is for business process managers (especially lean leaders) who seek to reengineer their business processes using lean principles.
