1st Edition

20 Keys to Workplace Improvement

By Iwao Kobayashi Copyright 1995
    304 Pages
    by Productivity Press


    20 Keys has helped many manufacturing companies integrate the top manufacturing improvement methods into a coordinated system for drastic and continual improvement in involvement, quality, and productivity. This program provides the strategies necessary to achieve ambitious goals through a five-level scoring system.

    The revised edition is improved with upgraded criteria for the five-level scoring system to guide your company to world-class status. New material and updated layout make implementation even easier. Two valuable case studies demonstrate effective use by both a Japanese company and an American manufacturer.

  • Key 1: Cleaning and Organizing
  • Key 2: Rationalizing the System/Management of Objectives
  • Key 3: Improving Team Activities
  • Key 4: Reducing Inventory (Shortening Lead Times)
  • Key 5: Quick Changeover Technology
  • Key 6: Manufacturing Value Analysis (Methods Improvement)
  • Key 7: Zero Monitor Manufacturing
  • Key 8: Coupled Manufacturing
  • Key 9: Maintaining Equipment
  • Key 10: Time Control and Commitment
  • Key 11: Quality Assurance System
  • Key 12: Developing Your Supplies
  • Key 13: Eliminating Waste (Treasure Map)
  • Key 14: Empowering Workers to Make Improvements
  • Key 15: Skill Versatility and Cross-Training
  • Key 16: Production Scheduling
  • Key 17: Efficiency Control
  • Key 18: Using Information Systems
  • Key 19: Conserving Energy and Materials
  • Key 20: Leading Technology and Site Technology
  • Implementing the 20 Keys
  • Appendixes
  • Biography

    Iwao Kobayashi

    "This is the first work I have read that sets a structure and framework for organizations to follow if they wish to revolutionize the workplace. Kobayashi has removed the mystery of how to accomplish major improvement in a business. His insight is true genius!"

    --John Sutter, VP of Manufacturing, National Rubber Company, Inc. June 2004

    "An extraordinarily powerful book...pulls together all the strands of world class manufacturing into a package which is readily understandable at all levels of an organization. By using simple drawings Kobayashi truly demonstrates that 'every picture speaks a thousand words' and in the process produces a methodology which ensures that everyone will work together for the common good. Not only does it inspire; it also shows how to achieve."

    --Peter D. Wickens, Centre for Achievement in Manuf. Mgmt, U. of Sunderland, June 2004