FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW BOOK ON THEORY OF CONSTRAINTS CHALLENGES THE GOAL
Author contends that causes to variation can be eliminated
through quality management techniques

NEW YORK … The basic principle of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) is the impossibility of running a balanced factory at 100 percent capacity. Variation in processing and material transfer times is the root cause of longer cycle times and higher inventories, which can hinder the ability to run a factory at full capacity.

In Productivity Press' new book, Beyond the Theory of Constraints - - How to Eliminate Variation Maximize Capacity, author William A. Levinson challenges this basic principle by stating that variation in processing and material transfer times comes from special or assignable causes that can be eliminated through traditional quality management techniques. Even random or common-cause variation can be suppressed through lean manufacturing methods.

This compelling book:

• Gives a complete overview of the Theory of Constraints and its impact on engineering and managerial economics.
• Illustrates the effect of variation in processing and material transfer times and shows why this variation prevents achievement of 100 percent utilization.
• Describes methods for reducing variation in processing and material transfer times.
  
• Discusses methods for increasing productivity and reducing cycle times -- these are useful for elevating the constraint (increasing its capacity) and reduce variation.

Beyond the Theory of Constraints will teach business executives, managers and technical professionals -- including quality and manufacturing engineers -- how to identify and remove variations and maximize capacity to achieve bottom-line results.

About the Author
William A. Levinson, principal of Levinson Productivity Systems, P.C., has authored and co-authored several books with the American Society for Quality including: Lean Enterprise -- A Synergistic Approach to Minimizing Waste, ISO 9000 at the Front Line, SPC Essentials and Productivity Improvement, Leading the Way to Competitive Excellence and The Way of Strategy. Levinson is also the author of Henry Ford's Lean Vision -- Enduring Principles from the First Ford Motor Plant (Productivity Press, 2002).

About Productivity Press
Productivity Press is the premier source of authoritative information on organizational improvement, offering the broadest selection of books and learning tools about lean methodologies, based on the Toyota Production System. Whether you are responsible for production, office and administrative operations or providing services, our publications offer you proven, practical strategies for increasing efficiency and capacity while eliminating waste. We are the leading source of materials for educating and training your workforce in lean. In February, 2007, Productivity Press launched its new healthcare division, Healthcare Performance Press (HCPpress.com).

List price is $40.00. Complimentary review copies are available to media contacts by calling (212) 216-7865 or by e-mailing: leon.carter@taylorandfrancis.com.

For more information on Beyond the Theory of Constraints, or any of Productivity Press' other titles, call 1 (888) 319-5852, or access our online catalog at ProductivityPress.com.

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