Creating a Lean Culture

Lean production offers the promise of competitive, high-quality, low-cost manufacturing, but operating it successfully requires a lean management system. David Mann, head of lean management and organizational development at Steelcase, an office equipment manufacturer, helps you understand how to implement a simple, effective, proven lean management system. He explains how to take action, leverage a few simple processes and create a culture that will sustain your gains in the long term. Obviously, no system is a panacea, and Mann says you have to spend time every day comparing your actual performance to what you expected from each process. By focusing your management efforts on actively closing those gaps, you can find the right ways to improve your lean production system. The book includes a very useful glossary to help you understand the specialized vocabulary of lean management, and provides charts, forms, pictures and diagrams to aid you in implementing each chapter’s principles. getAbstract recommends it as a hands-on manual, not a theoretical read. Though Mann targets managers and other leaders, anyone involved in lean manufacturing can benefit from his practical advice.