Category: Toyota Way Principles

The Toyota Production System (TPS) is known for its principles of efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement principles. At its core is the foundation of Standardized Work, with pillars of Just-In-Time (JIT) production and Jidoka (autonomation: detect abnormalities and respond), all under the roof of achieving the highest quality, the shortest lead time, and the lowest cost.

In New Product Development (NPD), TPS and NPD share similar goals: both strive for excellence in quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. So how can we apply TPS principles to NPD?

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A strong project leader is essential to the success of any new product development effort. Such a leader must possess both the experience and the comprehensive skill set to effectively guide his or her team toward the ultimate goal. At Toyota, there’s a concept known as ” Genba,” a Japanese term that refers to the place where the real work is done. Embracing Genba means going to the source and seeing firsthand what’s happening on the ground. I had the privilege of experiencing this firsthand when Toyota’s managing director visited the plant where I was leading a project.

Continue reading “Leading by example: The Genba Philosophy” →