Comments on: Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop

By: Daniel E. Beougher

Daniel E. Beougher — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:32:12 +0000

Review by Daniel E. Beougher for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop Rating: 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.

By: Thomas Bucci

Thomas Bucci — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:57:48 +0000

Review by Thomas Bucci for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop Rating: 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.

By: Martin L. Espinola

Martin L. Espinola — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:18:57 +0000

Review by Martin L. Espinola for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop Rating: 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

By: Verda Hinkle

Verda Hinkle — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:47:47 +0000

Review by Verda Hinkle for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop Rating: 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

By: Donald L. Dewar

Donald L. Dewar — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:12:22 +0000

Review by Donald L. Dewar for Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop Rating: 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.