This model has been developed using the knowledge gained initially with Nissan, but reinforced with four benchmarking visits to Japan covering 38 companies. The last visit was in December 2007. Many companies in Japan use evenings, weekends and holidays to carry out improvement activities even without pay. The Japanese will endure hardships to achieve productivity improvements which the West would find difficult to accept. Management tend to work as one, with a collective understanding of what they are doing and why. Failure never seems to be contemplated. This topic encapsulates Japan. The definition by Toshiro Iwatake of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association is: "The process of making or creating things with spirit, zest and pride to produce excellent products and the ability to improve the production system and process continuously." The most famous example is the Toyota Production system (TPS). There are many books and articles on this, notably 'The Toyota Way' by J Liker. The production system controls the operation of the plant. It is an all-embracing control system from which departments or individuals cannot opt out.
展开▼
