New Title on Standardized Work for Noncyclical Processes

June 24, 2010 - PRLog -- While it is a given that most Lean companies adopt methods to standardize cyclical activities, they often fail to apply the same rigor to noncyclical work, believing that it cannot be measured. Standardized Work for Noncyclical Processes cuts to the core of this mistaken belief and shows you how to measure non-repeating job processes and eliminate waste associated with noncyclical activities.

Taking a hands-on approach reflective of his time as an operator on the line, Joseph Niederstadt lays out the methods he has instituted successfully in more than 30 factories around the world. He defines and details a proven process for building consistent quality products at reduced costs, and includes coverage of activities involving multiple machine job setters, maintenance, stockers, and quality auditors. When implemented correctly this method can help you increase utilization to 85 percent through intelligent data collection.
Presenting a wealth of process charts and visual reference tools, the book illustrates how to:

• Identify abnormalities and waste
• Foster teamwork and knowledge sharing
• Promote a safe work environment
• Ensure a balanced workload
• Establish a baseline for continuous improvements

Throughout the book, the author references blank forms and offers numerous examples of what the forms should look like when populated with the proper data. The CD that accompanies the book includes e-versions of all the forms, as well as color versions of images found in the text.

"Where there is no standard, there is no improvement."
—Taichi Ohno, Toyota

About the Author

Joseph Niederstadt like many others in the Lean area started work in a General Motors factory with the goal of making money and providing benefits for his family yet to come.  He never realized that it was the beginning of a career in manufacturing that would span beyond thirty years.  Later he held positions at Chevrolet Motor Division and Delphi as an assembly line operator, a water spider on an assembly line, Supervising machining, assembly, after market operations, Quality Control, Production Control & Logistics, Labor Relations, Lean Core Team, Supplier Development and International Assignments.  During this progression Joe has never forgotten his roots as an operator and has always strived to make the work environment better for the operator.  He has been taught by several sensei’s from Toyota and some of the best Lean people GM and Delphi.

He has worked in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan, India, Korea, China and Thailand, applying the system approach in this book.  Most recently Joe was the Director of Lean Applications Asia-Pacific Region for a Global Corporation.  The author is currently an independent consultant.

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Productivity Press is a premier source of authoritative information on organizational development offering the broadest selection of books and learning tools about lean methodologies, based on the Toyota Production System. http://www.productivitypress.com