What is your favorite book on Kaizen and or 6Sigma Lean?
 

Hey all, haven't been around much lately, but I'm taking on a project at work that focuses on a lot of Kaizen principles. I have only a basic knowledge of the subject and I see there are a slew of books out there ranging from self help books to text books. Any suggestion on one good book to pull it all together?


A littl background, my team uses kaizen to focus on process improvement in a call center setting, and I see some of the material is more focused on manufacturing.

Any help you guys can give would be appreciated!

It sucks to be totally unappreciated....

Good luck Sid :)!

Not exactly what you are asking but an excellent theory book and it will have many of the guiding principles you may need: The Learning Organization, Dr. Peter Senge. You will be able to learn much about the five learning disciplines he outlines just looking up his name on the internet.


As far as the others, check out https://www.instituteforsupplymanagement.org/


I have read several books and articles on all and worked in Pharma/Food which states they attempt to utilize these systems. I found that in the end everything became dependent upon the software system and limitations on the span of control and ability of management. I liked the material from ISM best but that was just my opinion.

The best training I ever received was attending a workshop at the Toyota facility in Georgetown, Ky. Reading books is one thing, attending a workshop and visiting companies that model themselves after the Toyota system is another,

I am guessing you don't want to look around at a local brick and mortar bookstore in person. ;)

Excellent!

When I was the Chief Test Pilot at the Sikorsky factory (1996 time frame) we did a Kaizen event - we reviewed the entire physical aircraft acceptance process from the moment an aircraft hit the flight hangar until it left for the fleet, including the administrative side.

We were sent toa Kaizen training facility for three weeks. I grumbled about going but it was fantastic.

Remember, though, the processes, like all good systems engineering, are meant to be tailored.

Have fun. I learned a lot and enjoyed the entire series of the Kaizen experience.

Edit: BTW, even if you think it is hokey or not worth your time, do your best to embrace the experience, the 5 Whys. It really worked in the aircraft manufacturing environment.

Edit: A very good friend of mine is a retired Toyota production guy. He was a "green field" production manager, meaning he was sent to a green field to build a factory and get it running. I can send yo his email if you'd like. Great guy, another Navy rotor head.

Good topic.

In the 90s Toyota could make a car in something like 17hrs start to finish. Saturn simply couldn't keep up at 35+ hrs per car yet asking similar money.

For car guys, Jim Womak's Machine that changed the world is excellent
It provides a historical perspective and is easy to read, at least the first half.

Also Masaaki Imai: Gemba Kaizen

and my favorite, William Lareau: American Samuari

Remember, Lean eliminates waste and Six Sigma eliminates variation.

You need to do a LOT of lean work before you start on six sigma.

Good luck

The Toyota Way is a good primer, before you start to really get into it.

You can find pdf's online...

Ya.... any book I buy will have to be ordered from that large online retailer that pays my checks. ;).


Thanks for the recommendations so far guys! Keep them coming.