Implementing TPS: A Cultural Transition to Success

April 1, 2009
For many businesses, implementation of the Toyota Production System (TPS) requires many new concepts such as 5S, Kaizen, Asa-Ichi, Genchi-Genbutsu and Yamazumi charting. The implementation of these tools does not guarantee the success or improvement of a business. Sometimes companies can experiences negative effects as a result of improper implementation. The key to success is the cultural transformation of the business by changing the business's operating philosophies and culture to fully embrace these principles and their associated methodologies.

For many businesses implementation of the Toyota Production System (TPS) requires many new concepts such as 5S, Kaizen, Asa-Ichi, Genchi-Genbutsu and Yamazumi charting. The implementation of these tools does not guarantee the success or improvement of a business. Sometimes companies can experiences negative effects as a result of improper implementation. The key to success is the cultural transformation of the business by changing the business' operating philosophies and culture to fully embrace these principles and their associated methodologies. Only then can a company begin to understand and experience the potential improvements the organization can achieve.

In this session at the 2009 IW Best Plants Conference, Jim Hauss, Manager, Quality Assurance and Warranty Administration, The Raymond Corporation discusses what you can learn from the lessons the Raymond Corporation learned on its way to fully embracing TPS. Raymond is well into its TPS journey and is continuously working to make improvements that will better the company. The presentation offers other companies the opportunity to learn from Raymond's TPS implementation as they implement TPS in their own facilities.

In This Presentation You Will Learn

  • The primary targets of Raymond's TPS journey (in minute 4)

  • The Asa-Ichi process journey and cycles of learning (in minute 10)

  • Transferring accountability from quality to operations (in minute 16)

  • Genchi-Genbutsu senior management audits (in minute 22)

  • Asa-Ichi success enablers (in minute 28)

  • 5S successes (in minute 35)

  • Raymond's TPS performance summary (in minute 40)

  • Lessons learned (in minute 46)

  • and more

About the Speaker

Jim Hauss, Manager, Quality Assurance and Warranty Administration, The Raymond Corporation

Jim Hauss is the manager of quality assurance for The Raymond Corporation's Greene, N.Y., facility and manager of warranty administration for Raymond's North American operations. He has more than 25 years of experience in program management, quality, reliability, operations and engineering using systems- and process-focused methodologies within a Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing environment. Hauss has experience in diverse industries, including defense, electronic assembly and pharmaceuticals.

Hauss is currently involved in the implementation of traditional Toyota Production System (TPS) philosophies at The Raymond Corporation, which is an integral member of the Toyota Materials Handling Group.

Hauss received a bachelor's in electrical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y., with postgraduate studies in infrared systems design. Hauss has earned Green Belt certifications in both System Engineering/Design for Six Sigma and in Certified Process Improvement Facilitation.

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