Customer Reviews

20 Keys to Workplace Improvement (Manufacturing & Production)

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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.

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!!!

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.

There are several methods of implementing Lean Manufacturing Practices in a Factory. I have found the 20 Keys method to be the easiest and still broad enough to be effective. The lowest score is 20 and the maximum score is 100. You are guaranteed a doubling of productivity with each 10 points. Go for it!

A concise guide to assessing the level of 'leanness' in an organisation - useful for benchmarking. In addition it provides some useful guidelines for implementation.

Kobayashi's book 20 Keys to Workplace Improvement gives amazing deep understanding of the various elements or Keys to operational excellence or lean. It provides a synergistic and integrated framework as a system for improvement and helps organisations to build the organisational fortitude layer by layer. His insight crosses many disciplines from management and leadership, organisation culture, sustainability and supply chain as well as the normal 4S, changeover etc. It is written at a practical level but don't be misled by this simplicity. If one is serious about operational excellence then this book gives a sound framework and excellent path to follow.

This is truly a very strange book. I can't imagine a process that would be in such dire straits such that this book would be of much value. Stick with readings by Box, Deming, etc.

This is must reading for all production personnel interested in understanding how to obtain more throughtput from existing resources. The twenty steps are proven techniques and you do not need an advanced degree or significant training to fully implement these methods for reducing costs of inventory, maintenance, loss time searching for tools or components. Should be on every consultants desk and is must reading for all line managers. Principles can be applied to all operating groups not just production organizations. You will not be disappointed, but surprised at the simplicity and the quick results