Product Description

The Toyota Way Fieldbook is a companion to the international bestseller The Toyota Way. The Toyota Way Fieldbook builds on the philosophical aspects of Toyota's operating systems by detailing the concepts and providing practical examples for application that leaders need to bring Toyota's success-proven practices to life in any organization. The Toyota Way Fieldbook will help other companies learn from Toyota and develop systems that fit their unique cultures.

The book begins with a review of the principles of the Toyota Way through the 4Ps model-Philosophy, Processes, People and Partners, and Problem Solving. Readers looking to learn from Toyota's lean systems will be provided with the inside knowledge they need to

• Define the companies purpose and develop a long-term philosophy
• Create value streams with connected flow, standardized work, and level production
• Build a culture to stop and fix problems
• Develop leaders who promote and support the system
• Find and develop exceptional people and partners
• Learn the meaning of true root cause problem solving
• Lead the change process and transform the total enterprise

The depth of detail provided draws on the authors combined experience of coaching and supporting companies in lean transformation. Toyota experts at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant, formally trained David Meier in TPS. Combined with Jeff Liker's extensive study of Toyota and his insightful knowledge the authors have developed unique models and ideas to explain the true philosophies and principles of the Toyota Production System.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3694 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-28
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 476 pages

From the Back Cover

Your hands-on guide to the secrets of Toyota's success!

Jeffrey Liker first revealed the management principles Toyota's worldwide reputation for quality and reliability in the international bestseller The Toyota Way.

Now, he and Toyota veteran David Meier take those lessons a step further with The Toyota Way Fieldbook. You'll receive the diagnostic tools, worksheets, and exercises--many adapted from Toyota originals--so you can craft the most effective approach for your organization.

Learn how to develop a long-term philosophy of cost reduction, build a culture that stops to fix problems quickly, develop leaders that live your system, and transform your company into a true lean learning organization that continuously improves, meets the needs of its customers, and positions itself for long-term success.

Most importantly, you'll understand the thinking behind lean tools and approaches so you can implement Toyota's 4P Model for success in your organization:

Philosophy--The company is a vehicle for adding value to customers, society, the community, and its associates.

Process--When leaders follow the right process they get the right results, including long-term cost-reduction and quality improvement.

People and Partners--Add value to an organization by challenging its people and partners to grow and become more skilled and confident.

Problem solving--Continuously solve root problems to drive organizational learning.

About the Author

Jeffrey K. Liker, the author of the bestselling The Toyota Way, is Professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering and cofounder and Director of the Japan Technology Management Program at the University of Michigan. His work has appeared in The Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, and other leading publications.

David Meier is the President of Lean Associates and was Group Leader for Toyota Motor Manufacturing for ten years. He helps other organizations across many industries learn from the Toyota Way.

Customer Reviews

Great "How To" Book for introducing TPS in a company
Our company is introducing Toyota Production System methodologies, and we all had questions about "Why do we use 11x17 paper for presentations?" and "How do we perform this task ?". This is a very good reference book for our specific case. It is written in a pragmatic way, with examples to follow, and good guidance. The other books (Toyota Way, etc.) are not as helpful to people that are practicing the methods already. After all, following TPS means regular practice and improvement of the methdologies; not merely studying the Toyota culture from a distance !
-Dave Goetz-

Deeper understanding of Toyota Way
I thought this book did a nice job of describing not only the "tools and techniques" that US mfgs try to copy from Toyota, but also the underlying culture of excellence and high-performance organization that is the support structure of Toyota. Too many American manufacturers try to copy the "lean" techniques without understanding how the "Toyota Way" really drives excellence in both short- and long-term. This book does a really good job providing that insight.
Tom Nettleman - [...]

The most important 'lean' book.
Simply the most important book to have on your shelf if you are serious about lean manufacturing. This book is less about theroy and more about practical advice. I find it is the book I take with me as a senior lean consultant. Dave and Jeff have done an excellent job putting these concepts and experineces into word.

Some miss the wisdom in these pages but I find it right on the money. Chapter 4 is a chapter I have asked people to read over and over. In my opinion it is were most companies are and don't know it.

I recommend this book very highly. Get it, read it more than once.