20 Keys to Workplace Improvement (Manufacturing & Production) [Hardcover]

Iwao Kobayashi (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1563271095 | ISBN-13: 978-1563271090 | Publication Date: November 1, 1995 | Edition: Rev Sub

20 Keys has helped many manufacturing companies integrate the top manufacturing improvement methods into a coordinated system for drastic and continual improvement in involvement, quality, and productivity. This program provides the strategies necessary to achieve ambitious goals through a five-level scoring system.

The revised edition is improved with upgraded criteria for the five-level scoring system to guide your company to world-class status. New material and updated layout make implementation even easier. Two valuable case studies demonstrate effective use by both a Japanese company and an American manufacturer.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is the first work I have read that sets a structure and framework for organizations to follow if they wish to revolutionize the workplace. Kobayashi has removed the mystery of how to accomplish major improvement in a business. His insight is true genius!"

--John Sutter, VP of Manufacturing, National Rubber Company, Inc. June 2004

"An extraordinarily powerful book...pulls together all the strands of world class manufacturing into a package which is readily understandable at all levels of an organization. By using simple drawings Kobayashi truly demonstrates that 'every picture speaks a thousand words' and in the process produces a methodology which ensures that everyone will work together for the common good. Not only does it inspire; it also shows how to achieve."

--Peter D. Wickens, Centre for Achievement in Manuf. Mgmt, U. of Sunderland, June 2004

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese

Product Details

• Hardcover: 302 pages
• Publisher: Productivity Press; Rev Sub edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563271095
• ISBN-13: 978-1563271090
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A `white-glove test' for becoming lean, June 6, 2005

By 

Larry R. Graham (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 20 Keys to Workplace Improvement (Manufacturing & Production) (Hardcover)

20 Keys is a powerful `white-glove test' for a lean-type environment. Mr Kobayoshi's system not only reveals how far along your operation is on the journey toward perfection, but it also helps pinpoint facets where improvements are needed. Find your shortcomings and strengths. Furthermore, it can provide a roadmap of recommended areas to target to reach the end goal from your self-assessed position. It will not provide all the specific tools, but it will walk you through to a logical implementation plan; learn what areas to concentrate on, do your how-to research, and fill in the appropriate details as needed. If you understand lean practices, 20 Keys may simply help you identify where to start and where to proceed to; you select the right tools from all those already at your disposal to create a coordinated strategy.

The original edition of this book was a bit difficult to follow and to use as a reference. To my surprise, the newer revised version almost appears to be a complete rewrite. Even the many illustrations laced throughout the book have changed. Many sections have been condensed, and the capture of key thoughts as bullet-point outlines seems more prevalent. The book has also been expanded with case studies and an index. Buy the revised edition for the best introduction to the 20 Keys. The earlier release has been readily available for just a few dollars (a bargain), so get the original edition too for additional insights on points of particular interest.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this is the world class journey!, January 28, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 20 Keys to Workplace Improvement (Manufacturing & Production) (Hardcover)

This is probably the finest book of the world class journey ever written, not in theory, but the things we have to do to keep on the journey. Prof Kobayashi brings to light the 20 different skills in a broad perspective that any organization can use effectively to make the journey possible. To truly understand the subtle secrets you will eventually read this book 20 times. You will be so inspired by the graphics you will go to Japan to find the deep rooted meanings of the content, as the processes behind them (2o keys) are a culture in their own right! Enjoy your personal world class journey by starting with yourself!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LEAN Practitioner, November 26, 2007

By 

Polly Rathe (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 20 Keys to Workplace Improvement (Manufacturing & Production) (Hardcover)

I've implemented LEAN in four different factories; this book does an excellent job of simplifying several concepts from the Toyota Production System. There are system changes that should take place before kicking off the 20 keys evaluation, specifically implementing Pull and Flow methods. Overall, this is well displayed so all levels of the organization can understand the steps. It makes a great training tool.