What is Toyota Production System (TPS)

This chapter aims to provide an elementary background on lean methodologies from its beginnings at Toyota through current applications of lean processes at local companies. Via case studies, a greater understanding of the advantages of lean systems will be attempted along with a discussion of the future of lean practices. Notable improvements to the lean philosophy, such as successful implementation of six-sigma techniques, are addressed through interdisciplinary case studies of successful best business practices. Therefore, we need a cluster of metrics, certainly more than just cost. If we cannot adequately measure customer satisfaction and utility, we need to have more subjective ways to measure it in order to understand its complexities. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that there is a one-size-fits-all solution, as many managers are more prone to try something that has worked elsewhere in times of crisis, but has limited applications to other dissimilar problems.