Huntzinger has marshaled little-known historical evidence to show how accounting figures came to be a very misleading way to manage a manufacturing company. He proposes abolishing meaningless figures too abstract from reality. Where cost figures are needed, derive them from simple parameter and process-based cost models that correspond with physical reality. This change in thinking opens an escape hatch from the traps that prevent companies from addressing their 21st century challenges.

--Robert W. Doc Hall, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University
Editor-in-Chief, Target, Association for Manufacturing Excellence

It is clear that Mr. Huntzinger has really studied and understood the deep history of lean, bringing an excellent perspective relevant to today s lean discussions. I found his relation of lean to accounting very meaningful and accurate.

--Glenn Uminger, General Manager, Production Control and Logistics, Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Obtaining and developing useful accounting information is required of any manufacturer to disclose information for both internal and external purposes. However, today s accounting systems are inadequate to provide the informational support required to meet these objectives. This book is focused specifically on accounting information for internal purposes and reveals the failure of traditional cost and managerial accounting methods using both a current and historical context.

Lean Cost Management demonstrates the importance of the relationship between the physical lean enterprise and accounting for continued success. It offers a combination of principles, philosophies, and technical attributes for a transition to a lean enterprise and the role cost management plays in this new enterprise. It is a must read for accountants, engineers, and operational, business, and engineering managers.

Key Features:
-Reveals the fail