Ruffa describes the concept of lean dynamics for use in improving business during uncertain times, which combines lean manufacturing with initiatives that use internal measures to deal with external conditions. He argues that efficient operations and innovation do not have to only occur in times of stability and uses examples from companies like Toyota, Southwest Airlines, and Wal-Mart for illustration. Ruffa is an aerospace engineer and researcher who originated the concept of lean dynamics. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Going Lean sets aside the notion that efficient operations and powerful innovations are only possible when business is steady and demand is growing. Instead, companies must learn that sudden shifts or unpredictable conditions need not undermine their results. Led by a new breed of companies –Toyota, Wal-Mart, and Southwest Airlines—a powerful, yet unexpected mindset is reshaping the rules for business competitiveness. By using Lean Dynamics ™—based on the now-famous Toyota Production System—companies everywhere can thrive in virtually any environment. In Going Lean, readers will learn how to:• become broadly effective in creating and sustaining value• set a critical foundation for achieving sustained excellence• identify sources of lag and create robust value streams that thrive in today’s dynamic conditions• describe the underlying techniques to maintain steady and predictable flow• create a system based on “pull,” or external demand that consistently introduces new innovation even during severe downturns• strive for perfection• deliver industry-leading returns
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