Top 5 Continuous Improvement Books

I have read many books on Lean, Six Sigma, and other Continuous Improvement methods over the years. Some inspired me, some frustrated me, and all made me think. The following 5 (and two honorable mentions) are my all-time favorites.

Number 5: The Toyota Way – Jeffrey Liker

This is an easy read and talks about the principles behind the Toyota Production System.  It is the first book that I recommend to anyone who wants to know what “Lean” is.

Number 4: The Goal – Eliyahu Goldratt

All about the Theory of Constraints, this book reads like a novel. I wanted to see if they save the factory and live happily ever after. There’s a great story in it about a camping trip that really brings manufacturing issues to life. I have shared this book with others to give them insight into the world of manufacturing.

Number 3: Key Strategies for Plant Improvement – Shigeo Shingo

Written by the all-time greatest Industrial Engineer (my opinion, of course), this book provides quick ideas and ways of thinking that opened my eyes to possibilities. Many of the ideas can be implemented immediately, without any investment.  

Number 2: A Revolution in Manufacturing:  The SMED System – Shigeo Shingo

The first continuous improvement book I ever read. It probably influenced me more than any other. I was able to immediately implement SMED in the little factory I worked in and saw amazing results. I found it on the bookshelf of another supervisor, who gave it to me without reading it! There’s a great explanation of how Shingo’s feet blistered while playing golf and how it led him to a breakthrough in changeover reduction.

Number 1: Toyota Production System – Taiichi Ohno

Written by the man who was essentially responsible for Toyota’s vast success over many decades. This book explains what Toyota did, why they did it, and the results they were able to achieve. All the other “Lean” books just interpret what Ohno did and why he did it. He didn’t want to write a book, but thank goodness he did!

Honorable mention 1: The Innovator’s Dilemma – Clayton Christiansen

This book explains the impact of disruptive technologies on the world. It not only gives many case studies, but also explains what companies should do to become disruptive in their industries.

Honorable mention 2: Today and Tomorrow – Henry Ford          

Written almost 100 years ago, the very elements of Lean are described by the man who put a car in everyone’s driveway. Taiichi Ohno was inspired by Henry Ford and so was I.