Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production [Hardcover]

Taiichi Ohno (Author), Norman Bodek (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0915299143 | ISBN-13: 978-0915299140 | Publication Date: March 1, 1988 | Edition: 1St Edition

In this classic text, Taiichi Ohno -- inventor of the Toyota Production System and lean manufacturing -- shares the genius that sets him apart as one of the most disciplined and creative thinkers of our time. Combining his candid insights with a rigorous analysis of Toyota's attempts at lean production, Ohno's book explains how lean principles can improve any production-oriented endeaver. A historical and philosophical description of just-in-time and lean manufacturing, this work a must read for all students of human progress. On a more practical level, it continues to provide inspiration and instruction for those seeking to improve efficiency through the relentless elimination of waste.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Just-in-Time (JIT) production methods are the rage, as non-Japanese companies attempt to mimic Oriental manufacturers (see Edward J. Hay, The Just in Time Breakthrough , LJ 4/15/88). These methods originated at the Toyota Co. after World War II, and Ohno is philosophical father of the techniques. This volume represents the English translation of his original commentaries, first published in Japan in 1978. More a philosophical commentary and history than an applications manual, it not only presents compelling examples of JIT implementation at Toyota, but also illustrates the mindset behind the system, especially the critical importance of teamwork and the premeditated effort to develop automation with a human touch. Recommended more for historians of JIT than practitioners. Gene R. Laczniak, Marquette Univ., Milwaukee
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese (translation)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 152 pages
• Publisher: Productivity Press; 1St Edition edition (March 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0915299143
• ISBN-13: 978-0915299140
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Quality Control
  • #42 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Production & Operations
  • #83 in Books > Medical Books > Administration & Medicine Economics > Health Care Delivery

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent explanation of principles of Just In Time Mfg., September 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production (Hardcover)

Mr. Ohno is the father of Toyota's just in time production system, also called lean manufacturing, though it is more than just that. The book gives an excellent primer on the basic principles of JIT, work-flow, leveling, waste minimization, etc. He also covers the history and application of these philosophies at Toyota. The book is a surprisingly good read, and Mr. Ohno's dynamic and engaging personality shows through. A must read for MBA students, persons in manufacturing or occupations where time is money.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The real guts of the Toyota Production System, October 3, 2005

By 

John C. Cox (Seneca, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production (Hardcover)

This book gives some real insight into the how the "Toyota Production System" actually gets results -- not the mess you hear consultants preaching about on every street corner.

I think that to understand the "Toyota Production System," you need to understand that these guys were only trying to eliminate waste. 5-S, Kanban, Kaizen, Lean, Poka-yoke, SMED, and 1-piece flow were solutions to problems that they encountered when trying to get rid of the waste.

This is why the Consultant's shiny new silver bullet doesn't work for many companies -- they just don't get it. The solutions listed above are ways to solve specific problems such as inventory losses, bad quality, long wait times, production bottle necks, etc.... They aren't really "Methods" in themselves to analyze a problem.... just the solutions they found effective.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult material covered simply, February 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production (Hardcover)

This is a short book and as such gets to the point. Explains difficult concepts in a simple way. This book explains how JIT, Kanban, Zero Defects came about. Also shows what is missing from American JIT and that is production leveling.