The Toyota Way Fieldbook is a companion to the international bestseller The Toyota Way. The Toyota Way Fieldbook builds on the philosophical aspects of Toyota's operating systems by detailing the concepts and providing practical examples for application that leaders need to bring Toyota's success-proven practices to life in any organization. The Toyota Way Fieldbook will help other companies learn from Toyota and develop systems that fit their unique cultures. The book begins with a review of the principles of the Toyota Way through the 4Ps model-Philosophy, Processes, People and Partners, and Problem Solving. Readers looking to learn from Toyota's lean systems will be provided with the inside knowledge they need to Define the companies purpose and develop a long-term philosophy - Create value streams with connected flow, standardized work, and level production - Build a culture to stop and fix problems - Develop leaders who promote and support the system - Find and develop exceptional people and partners - Learn the meaning of true root cause problem solving - Lead the change process and transform the total enterprise The depth of detail provided draws on the authors combined experience of coaching and supporting companies in lean transformation. Toyota experts at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant, formally trained David Meier in TPS. Combined with Jeff Liker's extensive study of Toyota and his insightful knowledge the authors have developed unique models and ideas to explain the true philosophies and principles of the Toyota Production System. Jeffrey K. Liker , the author of the bestselling The Toyota Way , is Professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering and cofounder and Director of the Japan Technology Management Program at the University of Michigan. His work has appeared in The Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review , and other leading publications. David Meier is the President of Lean Associates and was Group Leader for Toyota Motor Manufacturing for ten years. He helps other organizations across many industries learn from the Toyota Way. Your hands-on guide to the secrets of Toyota's success! Jeffrey Liker first revealed the management principles Toyota's worldwide reputation for quality and reliability in the international bestseller The Toyota Way . Now, he and Toyota veteran David Meier take those lessons a step further with The Toyota Way Fieldbook . You'll receive the diagnostic tools, worksheets, and exercises--many adapted from Toyota originals--so you can craft the most effective approach for your organization. Learn how to develop a long-term philosophy of cost reduction, build a culture that stops to fix problems quickly, develop leaders that live your system, and transform your company into a true lean learning organization that continuously improves, meets the needs of its customers, and positions itself for long-term success. Most importantly, you'll understand the thinking behind lean tools and approaches so you can implement Toyota's 4P Model for success in your organization: Philosophy --The company is a vehicle for adding value to customers, society, the community, and its associates. Process --When leaders follow the right process they get the right results, including long-term cost-reduction and quality improvement. People and Partners --Add value to an organization by challenging its people and partners to grow and become more skilled and confident. Problem solving --Continuously solve root problems to drive organizational learning. Jeffrey K. Liker , the author of the bestselling The Toyota Way , is Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan, and President of Liker Lean Advisors, LLC. His work has appeared in The Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review , and other leading publications. David Meier is the President of Lean Associates and was Group Leader for Toyota Motor Manufacturing for ten years. He helps other organizations across many industries learn from the Toyota Way. The Toyota Way Fieldbook A Practical Guide for Implementing Toyota's 4Ps By Jeffrey K. Liker David Meier McGraw-Hill Copyright © 2006 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-07-144893-2 Contents Chapter One Background to the Fieldbook Why The Toyota Way Fieldbook? Toyota's success as a company has been well documented. It has a well-earned reputation for excellence in quality, cost reduction, and hitting the market with vehicles that sell. The result has been a highly profitable company by any standards. Earning billions of dollars per year and amassing at any point in time $30 to $50 billion in cash reserves would be enough to convince anyone this company must be doing something right. Since The Toyota Way initially hit the shelves in January 2004, Toyota has continued to break records, earning over ¥10 trillion (about $10 billion) that year and becoming the