Andy & Me

"One of the best books I've read in a long time on the subject of Lean and the Toyota Production System. Don't be fooled by how simplistic some of the author's solutions appear. If properly taught, and then religiously utilized, they will significantly improve your organization. Pascal Dennis is not only a seasoned `Sensei' but a good storyteller as well."---Steve Pontbriand, senior vice president, Systems Control

"Highly recommended...a quick and light read, although you'll want to stop and let some of the TPS concepts sink in..."---Mark Graban, author, Lean Hospitals: Improving Quality, Patient Safety, and Employee Satisfaction

Based on the author's personal experience with Toyota's master teachers and with companies in the midst of great change, Andy & Me: Crisis and Transformation on the Lean Journey, now in its second edition, is a business novel set in a failing New Jersey auto plant focusing on the tribulations of Tom Pappas, the plant manager. The situations, characters, and plant politics will ring true with many readers.

In a cool, readable style, this highly popular work follows Tom's relationship with Andy Saito, a reclusive retired Toyota guru whom Tom persuades to help save his plant through the teaching of the legendary Toyota Production System (TPS).

On this journey, the reader learns that TPS is more than just a collection of tools; it entails a new way of thinking and behaving. Though Tom finds success --- both in his plant and in his personal life --- he learns from Andy that successful improvement is endless and eternal.

Now includes study questions after each chapter to support your learning and help you tell some of you own stories.