Lean Manufacturing, the production method first popularized by Toyota, has often been reduced to charts and tools by many US manufactures -- they've abandoned the original intent of the methodology . Many of the concepts and theories have becomes misconstrued, but systems such as Kanban (a Japanese concept used in Just-in-Time manufacturing) and applying core Lean principals to manufacturing remain valid today.

This book promotes Leaner Manufacturing as next generation thinking involving the manufacturing process. It considers transformative tools that still work well, such as value stream mapping, and considers the manufacturing process as well as design theory.

Leaner Manufacturing simplifies current manufacturing terms including the four categories of manufacturing: casting/ molding, machining, joining, and shearing/ forming in layman’s terms. This simplification creates an opportunity for invention and the process for applying and securing a patent would also be included.

In addition, Leaner Manufacturing covers how to improve/modernize Kaizen Events (Rapid Improvement Events), Value Stream Mapping Processes, and Kanban practices as well as shows the power of using Agile Scrum practices and easier Lean Analytics.

Essentially, Leaner Manufacturing simplifies the valid concepts of Lean Manufacturing as well as manufacturing, in general, to make various processes easier and less expensive to implement. It shows how to make Kaizen Events (Rapid Improvement Events) more effective. And, it provides a way for leaders to ensure buy-in from their teams and stakeholders and provide for a motivated and inspired workforce.

Terra Vanzant Stern, PhD, PMP, SPHR/GPHR, is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt with experience in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Leadership. She is a popular host on IT PRO TV (ACI Learning) and a principal of SSD Global Solutions – Smart, Simple Decision-Making.

She is the creator of LEANER Six Sigma® and LEANER Manufacturing™ in addition to the Lean and Agile Project Management® curriculum.