This workbook is the first of its kind to document and outline the actual kaizen practices taught within the Toyota Motor Corporation to develop leadership skills and personal responsibility close to the manufacturing floor. By explaining in full context the six basic kaizen principles that govern Toyota, the authors enable readers to improve their own skills and those of their employees making full use of the kaizen approach. The text examines simple analytic methods for work elements, time, motion, production lead-time, machine losses, and standardized work.
Art Smalley worked for Toyota in Japan, before becoming the director of lean for a large US company and a consulting lean expert for McKinsey & Company.
Isao Kato spent 35 years with Toyota in a variety of management positions in manufacturing, HR, training and development, and supplier development.