All I Need to Know About Manufacturing I Learned in Joe's Garage: World Class Manufacturing Made Simple

This is a business novel that concisely illustrates the problems with the commonly utilized features of traditional manufacturing practices by using them to build and install cabinets in a garage. Lean practices are described as alternatives and shine. Great argument against the craziness many see in their own factories and a great intro to Lean practices.

The purpose of this book isn't to hand you tools to convert your manufacturing management into the Toyota Production System. The purpose of this book is to plant a TPS seed in your mind while giving it just enough water to let it grow.While the ideas in this book are not outlandish or even new, they are presented in a way that resonates at every turn. The writing can be a little repetitive and hokey, but since you can enjoy the entire contents in less than an hour, I don't think it's a problem whatsoever. I think the best way to put this book to work is to read it once in one sitting, then read it chapter by chapter afterwards. When you run into a problem that needs more explicit process theory, the suggested reading list in the back should guide you down the path of TPS goodness.There are still some things I'm unclear of, but I will research as time continues.

Pretty good. Teaches some concepts about manufacturing and some vocabulary terms that relate to production. Really quick read, I suggest buying the kindle version and reading it on your computer or a mobile device (kindle, smartphone, tablet) because I read it in about 2 hours at a very leisurely pace. The book has little re-read value and I am happy I purchased the kindle version because if I paid $30 for a new book or $10 for a used copy I would feel that the money could have been better spent.

This pamphlet-sized story is a fictional account of the common ills found with mass-production manufacturing. Uses an example of a home do-it-yourself project run like a mass-production factory. Although it's an exaggerated tale, it does show how ridiculous mass production can be.Pro:+ Humorous and entertaining+ Short and makes its points+ Simple: Easy to read for the ultra-beginner+ Some nice "isms" and other quotablesCon:- I don't believe this is "all you need to know" (although everything here is good to know)- Does not do a full comparison of lean/just-in-time (JIT), nor describes pitfalls of JIT as an alternative- An exaggerated tale that relies on the exaggeration rather than a truer tale to make the comparisonBottom line: Neutral - neither recommended or not recommended (nearly equal pros and cons) since this book lacks the adequate rebuttal/critique of JIT, it's really a sell of the concept. This is sort of a light version of "The Goal."

I enjoyed the premise and the content. Well written story. As a MFG engineer, the content was a little below my previous education in the subject of lean manufacturing. For a beginner or someone new to lean, they would enjoy the easy, simple introduction to the various concepts.

This book is required for two of the courses in my Manufacturing Engineering program. It was not what I expected, but was written in a short story like format, which made it a much easier read. Not a definitive guide, but gets across several key points in an easy to understand format. Recommended for anyone with a casual interest in the subject, but not for someone looking for an in-depth look. Only takes about 90 minutes to read through, but to really pick everything up may take 2 or 3 reads.

This book had the potential to be a great instructive book. Its main problem is that it stopped short of attaining this goal. Coming as it does on the verge of the third decade of America's realization that the American Production System is not the ultimate manufacturing system it highlighted manufacturing problems, but not their solutions. The idea behind the book was excellent. Building a neighborhood project within a close neighborhood highlighted problems with the common American Mfg. system. It allowed one to easily attain the concept and the Japanese catch-word that defines the solution. If you want a book that will help you relate catch-words this is it. If you are interested in a solution, search elsewhere. It needs a little further development on the reverse side of the coin. Such as the following week the group should have had a project at Ralph's or Sato's garage and with the same style demonstrate how the project should have been handled. I did not like this book because it is only one side of the story. It offers nothing on the problem solving or "How to" side of manufacturing.

I used to work for a global manufacturing company called T.I Group. This book was required reading for all senior executives. I traveled to Canada to watch it in action exactly as the book describes. I couldn't get my jaw off the floor. No inventory in a huge empty building. Happy auto Union workers. Red lights on mobile work stations. Trucks pulling up every 45 mins. Crazy. They could play soccer matches in the empty facility.

C'est un excellent ouvrage d'initiation et absolument désopilant.Par moment, on pense qu'il aurait pu être écrit par Coluche.Tous les travers et les petites manies des individus sont impitoyablement décortiquées et leurs conséquences analysées.Seuls défauts: Il est en anglais et surtout, il date un peu. Certains principes actuels de la Supply Chain ne sont pas mis en avant comme ils le sont dans les ouvrages ultérieurs (le Chaînon manquant, par exemple)

If you are new to manufacturing processes, this is definitely the book to read. Explained the core concepts with a story that runs through the book.

Great inotrduction to the subject, hgave required all of my team to read it. have now also downloaded others in the series.

Very well written book. It is interesting to see how production can be optimized through a "simple" back yard assembly.

essential read for all who are serious about manufacturing, I hope i get it back in the near future !!!