1st Edition
by Phillip Ledbetter (Author)
Much has been written about Toyota
over the last 30 years focusing on both its products (superior
vehicles), and its operational excellence based on its Toyota Production
System (TPS). The Toyota Template details the critical concepts
and methods that Taiichi Ohno implemented in developing the Toyota
Production System. This book is different, however, regarding the
parallels it draws between Toyota’s pre-TPS condition and companies
today who are attempting to become more efficient and Lean.
In
view of efficiency, excellence, culture, and general "Leanness," many
organizations are in the same position as Toyota prior to implementing
what was once called the "Ohno System." The building of TPS, with the
goal to eliminate waste, evolved as problems were encountered and
solutions put in place. A wonderful byproduct of these years of work was
the growth of a problem-solving culture throughout Toyota that is
unique in the business world.
Currently, the Toyota Production
System is well established. Though constantly improving, the historical
picture is visible. The question many have tried to answer for their own
companies is "how can they achieve world class efficiency?" The Toyota Template answers this question. This book:
- Explains the critically important elements of the Toyota Production System.
- Analyzes the sequence of implementation as the system developed.
- Places
these elements in a logical order of implementation based on the
history and current knowledge. In addition, it addresses the effect of
each element on the culture.
The author was
prompted to write this book because of his personal observations of the
failure of most attempts to develop Lean systems. What makes Toyota
stand out is not any of the individual elements – It is crucially
important to have all the elements together as a system. Most attempts
have been focused on bits and pieces of the elements, or the tools.
The Toyota Template
is about the relevance of the Toyota Production System to "any type of
business" today. It is not an all-inclusive explanation of every aspect
of TPS. Rather, this book succinctly identifies the key elements, places
them in a logical, sequential order of implementation, and explains how
each contributed to the formation of the Toyota culture.
