The Toyota Production System is thebenchmark used throughout theworld for "lean" thinking. Now youcan model your own processes after those ofthe company that "wrote the book on supplychain management." Written by two experts on the subject, alongwith a former Toyota senior executive, thisbook details the most celebrated supply chainoperation in the world to help you form anintegrated, synchronized system that will bethe envy of your industry. You will find key insight into the logic behindevery point of Toyota's supply chain, alongwith both the tactics and strategies you canuse to build an outstanding system of yourown. Toyota Supply Chain Management explainshow to achieve balance and efficiencyby focusing on: Variety: Determine your varietyof offerings based on operationalefficiency and market demand Velocity: Maintain a steadyflow through all processes ofthe supply chain Variability: Manage inconsistenciescarefully to reduce cost andimprove quality Visibility: Ensure the transparencyof all processes to enable continuouslearning and improvement The authors provide valuable insider tipsand offer hands-on guidance for improvingproduction and operations in a variety ofindustries, including health care, insurance,banking, credit processing, and retailing. With careful attention paid to every aspectof the subject-from principles and theories tooperations and best practices-Toyota SupplyChain Management is the most comprehensive,insightful guide to forging a world-classsupply chain system.