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

Bill Carreira (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 19, 2004

"Lean Manufacturing That Works" is the first book to bring all the principles of lean manufacturing to where they're needed most: 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. This the ultimate "use-it-now" book of lean, specifically written for the people whose daily work involves the manufacturing floor. Real strategies for dramatically cutting waste and making operations more efficient.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

"Is there one factor that allows some manufacturing companies to succeed while others fail? With production a level playing field, with anyone able to purchase the same equipment and facilities, hire and train the same qualified people, and purchase the same raw materials required to make a product—why is it that some companies are consistently more competitive?

The simple answer lies in manufacturing technique: how you manage and balance people, materials, and machines. And if your manufacturing organization is slow and inefficient, it’s time to slim down.

“Lean” manufacturing allows manufacturers to reduce waste and maximize profits by adopting a philosophy of operation that considers value from the perspective of the customer. Far from a dry explanation of theory that simply looks good on paper, Lean Manufacturing That Works brings all the principles of lean manufacturing to where they’re needed most: the shop floor. Engagingly written and easy to put to work, the book is specifically aimed at the people whose daily work involves the manufacturing floor, and it features essential tools that can help streamline operations in any manufacturing environment,

A proven “weight loss” plan for your manufacturing environment, the lean strategy allows you to expend fewer resources in delivering value to the customer. The results are growth through the taking of market share, greater profitability, and increased opportunity and stability for your employees.

Lean Manufacturing That Works provides insights into this remarkable strategy and shows how to put it to work immediately in your own operations.

In Section 1 -- the how -- Bill Carreira presents a thorough overview of lean manufacturing, with discussions of 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.

Moving onto the why behind lean manufacturing, 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, with valuable information on establishing metrics and ensuring continuous improvement.

According to author Carreira, 'The one and only reason to go lean is to make more money."" Lean Manufacturing That Works provides you with specific, practical information on every page, and sends you back to the shop floor with a workable plan that will transform your entire operation. It is the ultimate use-it-now book of lean."

About the Author

Bill Carreira is president of Carreira Consulting, working with clients as a trainer, mentor, and facilitator of lean manufacturing methodologies. With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, and P&L management, he has worked with both Fortune 500s and small firms across a broad range of industries. He lives in Sarasota, Florida.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1st edition (November 19, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814472370
• ISBN-13: 978-0814472378
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #453,829 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical and Straightforward. Good diary for lean consultants, July 19, 2006

By 

Danny T. Moore "Lean Professional" (DC Area (NVA)) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lean Manufacturing That Works: Powerful Tools for Dramatically Reducing Waste and Maximizing Profits (Hardcover)

I have a number of lean books in my library--most of which are fairly solid on presenting the lean philosophy, principles and tools. All the concepts here are straightforward--very clearly presented. If you were going to launch your first lean event into an organization that is unfamiliar with lean--this would be my choice because Carreira is so practical. His background is consulting, so his chapters read like a diary (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 etc.)for a lean implementation. He has seen a number of companies and draws from past experiences: he knows what works and how to avoid the pitfalls to achieve bottom line results. Lean is a philosophy and the biggest gains will be in the "buy-in" in the organization. From his easygoing demeanor, you can see why he has succeeding as a consultant--is humor and demeanor disarms the fear of change and fosters team participation. This is a good buy and a good start point for applying lean. Good luck.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uncovering Waste, December 14, 2004

By 

Robert S. Thomes (York, PA. USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Lean Manufacturing That Works: Powerful Tools for Dramatically Reducing Waste and Maximizing Profits (Hardcover)

I received information about Bill Carreria's book from a colleague of mine. I found the book to be extremely insightful in the field of "Doing" (training & implementing) Lean manufacturing in a teamwork environment. This book has greatly helped me uncover "waste", Non Value Added activities and develop methods of correcting and measuring. This is the best $20 I've ever spent on anything developed to improve productivity and customers satisfaction. Thanks Bill

Scott

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In-Depth Look at Lean Value Stream Mapping, January 4, 2007

By 

Bert G. Penhollow (Gonzales, LA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lean Manufacturing That Works: Powerful Tools for Dramatically Reducing Waste and Maximizing Profits (Hardcover)

Mr Carreira discusses Lean and particularly Value Stream Mapping in down to earth how to manner. He gives details and examples that should help everyone in implementing Lean into their organization.

He does an excellent job at showing how 5S and SMED fits within a lean implementation.

If there exists a weakness in this book it may be that very little is discussed on the order entry and finish product packaging and shipping in Value Stream creation.

In general, if you are just beginning to consider Lean or if you have begun lean or have implemented portions of lean and want a great guide in doing it better, this is the book to buy.