Author Ronald L. Buckley describes a step-by-step process that will enable manufacturing companies to become efficient money-making organizations, able to compete and win in the new Millennium. The author draws on his own manufacturing experience to share real life challenges, describing situations that readers involved in manufacturing will find relevant, interesting and useful. He explores in detail such vital topics as:

Continuous Improvement: a process which not only improves profits but also develops employees' skills and knowledge, making them a greater asset to their company.

Lean-flow Manufacturing techniques, with productivity-raising programs that create flexibility and improve throughput velocity, such as: linked-cell Kanban pull systems and quality improvement techniques including Statistical Process Control, Six Sigma, Poka-yoke (Mistake Proofing), First-Pass Yield Improvement and Out-of-Box Failure elimination.

"Cross-Functional Self-Directed Teams," in which employees from many different areas of the business work as a team to improve the Company's competitive position, as well as their own self-confidence and job satisfaction.

Author Ronald L. Buckley is a recognized operations leader in the manufacturing world, with thirty-five years of experience and manufacturing expertise in improving quality, reducing costs and delighting his Customers.

An investment made in reading this book will prove to be fruitful not only to the reader but also to all those individuals over whom the reader has direct and indirect influence.

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The bulk of the book is focused on The Factory. The author guides the reader through his vision of a well run factory and tutors the reader on such topics as Linked Cell Manufacturing, Process Velocity, inventory control, supplier negotiations, and creating labor & equipment flexibility.

He also addresses Quality and explains how Statistical Process Control and Mistake Proofing can increase First-Pass Yield and reduce or eliminate Out-of-Box Failures.

One of the most important topics covered in the book is Cross-Functional, Self-Directed Teams and their power to drive change. The author discusses the organization, management, recognition and dissolution of these teams.

Throughout the book the author stresses that the solutions to your manufacturing problems are simple, effective and, in most cases, already known - they just need to be implemented.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

Real life resultsMay 24, 2003

Mr. Buckley has captured the essence of what it takes to win in a highly competetive manufacturing environment. The most important element of any continuous improvement program is employee involvement. The author conveys an exceptional message that it is the combination of teamwork along with lean flow techniques, that can make an operation truly great.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

Winning in a Highly...May 23, 2003
By Robert H. Schiffman
Mr. Bucklet has captured the essence of Flow Techniques and the true benefits of the Cross Functional Self-Directed Teams in this book. His explanations and information in support of each element discussed is presented in a simplistic and easy to understand manner. Read this book and look within your organization to see the benefits of applying these principles. It works not only for the organization, but it has an incredible affect upon the personnel building their self esteem and capabilities.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

Buckley Wins Again!Apr 19, 2003
By R. Huey
If you are looking for a complete "how to" on lean manufacturing, this is a must have for your library. Clearly drawing on years of experience in implementing lean manufacturing systems, Mr. Buckley has compiled in one neat volume all of the essential pieces necessary for a successful implementation. Each chapter follows a similar format opening with an introduction to the concept, followed by theory and real life examples, with a nice summary to conclude the topic. In addition to covering all the pieces of the lean manufacturing pie, Mr. Buckley closes with a key ingredient often missing from manufacturing treatises - how to use teams for successful implementation. A great read on winning in manufacturing by someone who has obviously been there and done that.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

Winning in a Highly Competitive Manufacturing EnvironmentApr 18, 2003

This is a book to be read by anyone who is interested in helping his or her organization achieve manufacturing excellence. It encompasses many principles with real life examples that keep the reader engaged. It departs sharply from the typical dry subject matter people in manufacturing have become accustomed to reading. It is easy to read and understand by the non-manufacturing professional as well as the most experienced operations manager. I think it is the recipe book for exactly what the title of the book says...Winning in a highly competitive manufacturing environment. This book pulls it all together for the reader to go out and put their operation together or to reorganize the way they do business today. It addresses the techniques as well as the culture.

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