Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production
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., MilwaukeeCopyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.