Improving business performance with lean / James R. Bradley.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 215-216) and index.

1. A brief introduction to lean -- Part I. Basics of lean -- 2. The motivation for implementing lean -- 3. A framework for applying lean -- 4. How to map a process -- 5. The need for reduced variation in processes -- Part II. Lean tools -- 6. Simplify and streamline -- 7. Standardize -- 8. Visual systems -- 9. Mistake- proof processes and product designs -- 10. Synchronize -- 11. Collocate -- 12. Reduce changeover time -- Part III. Implementing lean -- 13. Successful implementation of lean -- 14. Conclusions and summary -- Appendix. Case studies -- Notes -- References -- Index.

This book is a concise introduction to the essential concepts and tools used in the "Lean" method of improving business processes. It constitutes a sufficient tool kit to enable practitioners to quickly start using Lean to improve business processes in their workplace. Alternately, it can also serve as a textbook in undergraduate or masters programs. This book succinctly describes the benefits of Lean in manufacturing, sales, administration, distribution, health care, and other industries, as well as providing a step-by-step description of how Lean is applied.