Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop
Companies of all sizes are in a desperate race to remain competitive and profitable. Written with Lean implementers in mind, this book is designed to help companies and change agents apply the tools of Lean quickly. Much has been written about larger companies and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that implemented the Lean techniques perfected at Toyota within the last few decades. However, less attention has been offered addressing the special needs of smaller companies, job shops, and even “Mom and Pop” shops. While acknowledging some similarities, this book points out critical and distinct differences between OEM organizations and make-to-order environments. Hybrid methods of implementation for the Lean techniques are necessary and this book helps provide such an approach. The principles of the Toyota Production system are sound and proven. They are effective in any industry and within any company. The challenge is to apply the right tool, at the right pl! ace, at the right time, while maintaining the flexibility and nimble nature required of smaller shops. The steps outlined in this text will assist your organization reach the goals you have set for yourselves in terms of Delivery performance, Quality, and Cost. Book includes a CD-ROM that contains useful training tools, examples, and samples. Instructors can adapt visuals for classes or training.
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(out of 13 reviews)
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5 Responses to “Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop”
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Review by Donald L. Dewar for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop
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I have reviewed hundreds of technical books over the years for our magazine. Each gets a letter “grade” of either A, B, C, D, or F. Very few ever get an “A”but Gary Conner’s book does and it is well deserved. It is entertaining, believable and loaded with graphics — an easy, enjoyable and educational read.
Review by Verda Hinkle for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop
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For decades, large manufacturing operations have benefited from Lean Manufacturing principles. Many small, job-shop-type manufacturers try and fail to implement the Lean approach because Lean Manufacturing principles were developed for the large manufacturing environment. Gary Conner has successfully adapted Lean principles to fit the job shop environment and presents them in an enjoyable story that allows the reader to witness the power of Lean. He makes Lean Manufacturing principles understandable, clearly demonstrating how job shops can implement them successfully. I highly recommend this book to small shops wishing to reap the profits of Lean.Verda O. Hinkle, Manufacturing Consultant Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Review by Martin L. Espinola for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop
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As a Continuous Improvement Technician with many years of mechanical and production experience, I found “Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop” the best guide I have read for the implementation of lean manufacturing principles for any small to medium size manufacturing facility. It’s strength lies in its easy to understand principles as well as the examples and instructive aids that can be used in any company. I feel it should be required reading for any manager or facilitator of lean manufacturing. Martin L. Espinola Continuous Improvement Technician Clear Pine Mouldings, Inc
Review by Thomas Bucci for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop
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I am astonished that this publication would be recognized by the Shingo Prize Committee. I was originally optimistic about the contents based on the title. FOOLED AGAIN! The book is simply a collection of QUALITY based analysis and improvement tools, a few “war stories” and a very general discussion of LEAN tools and systems. [...] I have been a Lean Practitioner for over twenty years and have had the privilege of learning from some of the original teachers of Lean in the United States. “Lean for the Small Shop” is another of the flurry of textbooks recently published that offer very little in the way of useful information about how to successfully design and build a lean production system. Small shops really do need a simple and useful guide for understanding and implementing a lean system… “Lean for the Small Shop” is NOT that guide. If you are a company owner or President, I would recommend you start with “The Toyota Way” (the most enjoyable to read), “Lean Transformation” by Bruce A. Henderson or “Leading the Lean Initiative” by John W. Davis. If you are the “Lean Champion” in your company, read “Lean Production Simplified” by Pascal Dennis (the BEST introductory text that exists today) or “Running Today’s Factory” as an introduction. The series of shopfloor guides by Productivity Press is also helpful for your first “baby steps”. Beyond that, find a real lean “sensei”. A great place to find one is at your state’s “MEP” (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) Center.
Review by Daniel E. Beougher for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop
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Sometimes when attempting to change processes within a company the intent is there, but you just don’t know where to start. Conner’s book not only explains Lean Manufacturing, but gives you a virtual checklist of action items to achieve your goal of having a Lean enterprise. The book is rich with illustrations, examples, processes, and stories that will inspire even the cautious to take the plunge! The tools supplied on the CD are invaluable. I look at Lean Manufacturing for the Small Job Shop as a profitable investment as well as an understandable text.