Product Description

Here's the first information ever published in Japan on the Toyota production system (known as Just-In-Time manufacturing). Here Ohno, who created JIT for Toyota, reveals the origins, daring innovations, and ceaseless evolution of the Toyota system into a full management system. You'll learn how to manage JIT from the man who invented it, and to create a winning JIT environment in your own manufacturing operation.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24212 in Books
• Published on: 1988-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 152 pages

From Library Journal
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., Milwaukee
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes
Text: English, Japanese (translation)

Customer Reviews

Excellent explanation of principles of Just In Time Mfg.
Mr. Ohno is the father of Toyota's just in time production system, also called lean manufacturing, though it is more than just that. The book gives an excellent primer on the basic principles of JIT, work-flow, leveling, waste minimization, etc. He also covers the history and application of these philosophies at Toyota. The book is a surprisingly good read, and Mr. Ohno's dynamic and engaging personality shows through. A must read for MBA students, persons in manufacturing or occupations where time is money.

The real guts of the Toyota Production System
This book gives some real insight into the how the "Toyota Production System" actually gets results -- not the mess you hear consultants preaching about on every street corner.

I think that to understand the "Toyota Production System," you need to understand that these guys were only trying to eliminate waste. 5-S, Kanban, Kaizen, Lean, Poka-yoke, SMED, and 1-piece flow were solutions to problems that they encountered when trying to get rid of the waste.

This is why the Consultant's shiny new silver bullet doesn't work for many companies -- they just don't get it. The solutions listed above are ways to solve specific problems such as inventory losses, bad quality, long wait times, production bottle necks, etc.... They aren't really "Methods" in themselves to analyze a problem.... just the solutions they found effective.

Difficult material covered simply
This is a short book and as such gets to the point. Explains difficult concepts in a simple way. This book explains how JIT, Kanban, Zero Defects came about. Also shows what is missing from American JIT and that is production leveling.