Press Releases

JUNE 2005

For Immediate Release

NEW BOOK REMOVES MYSTERY OF KANBAN, PROVIDES RELIABLE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

New York… Few lean manufacturing tools have been as misunderstood as kanban. Thus, a full understanding of the technique has been elusive for any company seeking an effective system for controlling production and replenishment throughout its entire value stream. Until now, that is.

With the publication of Productivity Press' Implementing a Mixed Model Kanban System -- The Lean Replenishment Technique for Pull Production, by James C. Vatalaro and Robert E. Taylor, a workbook on the principles of a kanban pull system is now available, providing a step-by-step guide to the entire implementation process.

Kanban pull is a visual replenishment signaling system that effectively "connects" the supplying and consuming processes existing throughout the entire value stream. It is effective because it is based on real-time, actual consumption, not hypothetical production forecasting or prediction schemes.

Manufacturers and other companies such as retailers, government procurers, hospitals and administrative entities can lower costs by implementing a kanban pull system. And any organization that has a value stream based on, or including, any of the following, can also benefit: Component fabrication and supply; assembly and subassembly; manual production cells; semi-automated and manual lines; low-volume production; high-volume production, and/or high and low mix.

Implementing a Mixed Model Kanban System illustrates the step-by-step kanban implementation process through a case study of a fictitious golf club manufacturer, Emca Golf. Emca is based on the authors' years of highly successful, on-site kanban pull implementation experiences in companies across many industries. In addition, a CD-ROM is included, containing spreadsheets and forms discussed in the text.

List price is $45.00. Complimentary review copies are available to media contacts by calling (212) 216-7865 or by e-mailing: leon.carter@taylorandfrancis.com

About Productivity Press

Founded to provide world-class guidance for every level of an organization, Productivity Press is unrivaled in publishing high-quality material on lean manufacturing and business improvement.  Our books, learning tools and newsletter, Lean Manufacturing Advisor, are designed to help educate and support organizations in their efforts to implement the advanced management and manufacturing methodologies required to compete in today’s global business environment.