JIT IS FLOW

JIT IS FLOW – Practice and Principles of Lean Manufacturing

Vancouver, WA, March 15, 2006

Fifteen years ago I had Mr. Hirano’s JIT Implemental Manual translated into English. It was a great masterpiece for anyone serious about implementing JIT. To create a deep impression in serious students of JIT, we sold the two set manuals for $2000. This was the highest price set of books ever published by Productivity Press, and we sold “bundles” of them without a single complaint on the value to the customer.  We felt that if they would pay that high a price they would go out and do JIT on the factory floor.

JIT Is Flow is Hirano and Furuya’s latest publication and I believe gives us for the first time in the West an extensive practical overview of JIT/Lean.  This book is a wonderful addition to Jeffrey Liker’s The Toyota Way, and books by James P. Womack and others. I am sure that Mr. Ohno and Dr. Shingo would have approved.

Here is a book, actually a manual in book form that can be used to drive your lean efforts. It is a “jewel,” packed with information adding extensively to what was contained in the JIT Handbook. I believe the best way to use this book to your advantage is to read it in study groups. Then see if you can get teams of managers, engineers and employees to read a few chapters; then attempt to implement those ideas immediately. You will learn by doing it. The power is in the doing!

“JIT truly is flow—and flow is best medicine in a disruptive ultra-competitive world. This book covers all the bases in telling how. And don’t miss the insightful 24-page interview at the end. I think the trailing interview with Erik Hager is great.” Richard J. Schonberger, author or Japanese Manufacturing Techniques: Nine Hidden Lessons in Simplicity, The World Class Manufacturing: The Lessons of Simplicity Applied and World Class Manufacturing: The Next Decade

“Going through this book has been a rewarding experience. Hirano's "5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace" and "JIT Implementation manual" were classics. They contained detailed descriptions of the techniques and clear instructions that could be immediately implemented on the shop floor.  However they were also very prescriptive and not so easy to adapt to other sectors. This book brings out the depth of the thought process behind Hirano's work.  The know-why and the know-how that is contained in this book will be extremely useful to every business in today's scenario.  The clarity which Hirano brings to each aspect of the transformation to JIT / Lean and the delineation of the principles involved will be invaluable to every leader and manager aiming for business excellence.  It is an amazing book. This is another feather in your cap.  Best wishes for the success of this book - and may there be many more.” T. V. Suresh, President, Tao Consulting, Chenai, India

  “JIT IS FLOW is the best lean manufacturing book for study groups that I have ever encountered.” Doug Nelson, CFPIM, CIRM, CSSBB, President, APICS, Portland Chapter

 “JIT IS FLOW” gets back to the 'basics' of lean. The book goes right to the heart of 'why' we focus on waste (long-term competitiveness & profitability), as opposed to making waste reduction a short-term, cost-savings-based exercise. By understanding the principles behind the tools, we can begin the journey toward REAL change, & REAL success. I plan to recommend this book to every management team I work with. Bill Kluck, President, NWLEAN, Inc.

“This is a great book.  It provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to the tools of Lean Manufacturing and demonstrates that Lean must be lead by a commitment to change and a positive approach to innovation.  I encourage every manager that is motivated to get results to read this book!” Collin McLoughlin, President, Enna Inc.

"JIT is FLOW" is a great HOW To manual for any organization looking for the competitive advantage.  This should be a required Text for all business schools!  Hirano is an Icon and is still ahead of his time.” David McGiverin, Process Engineer, DCI International

 Other books from PCS Press: The Idea Generator – Quick and Easy Kaizen, Kaikaku – The Power and Magic of Lean (A Shingo prize winner), All You Gotta Do Is Ask, and Rebirth of American Industry. The press can obtain copies of books by contacting Norman Bodek at 360-737-1883 or [email protected], others can buy the book at www.pcspress.com.