Books in the Quality and Business Excellence series can help readers improve customer value and satisfaction by integrating the voice of the customer into design, manufacturing, supply chain, and field processes. Lean Transformation: Cultural Enablers and Enterprise Alignment is about the Lean system. It begins by describing the reasons why so many Lean implementations fail and explaining why managers need to focus their valuable time on early adopters rather than on trying to convert resistors. This book describes the guiding principles of the Shingo process for continuous improvement layout and evaluation. It examines the principles, systems, and tools of continuous improvement and demonstrates how to deploy these proven methods in plants and distribution centers. The book covers time-tested continuous improvement process tools and practices, including the visual workplace, mistake proofing, PDCA, 5S, Heijunka, standard work, Kaizen, and value stream mapping. It also examines Lean performance measures and introduces a comprehensive Lean tool assessment system. Presenting seven proven techniques for altering and guiding a Lean culture, the book identifies a formal process for overcoming common roadblocks. It also illustrates the proliferation of the Lean initiative across an organization's various sites. This book describes how proper assessment of Lean system tools can help your organization remain focused on system standardization and boost your organization’s sustainability efforts. It includes job descriptions of various roles in the improvement process, including those for Lean supervisor and Lean team leader, as well as a glossary that defines key terms.
