The Machine That Changed the World: The Story of Lean Production
Toyota's costs 20-30% lower than GM
MIT's comprehensive study documenting Toyota Production System superiority across every manufacturing metric. This research validated TPS after 40 years of development and triggered global adoption of lean manufacturing. The book coined the term 'lean manufacturing.'
Provides detailed evidence for Toyota's 40-year succession from post-WWII devastation to global manufacturing leadership.
Key Findings from Womack et al. (1990)
- Toyota's costs 20-30% lower than GM
- Defect rates 50% lower
- Inventory turnover 2-3x faster
- TPS superior across all measured dimensions
- Toyota Production System took 40 years to develop (1950-1990)
- Competitors can copy visible techniques but not underlying culture
- Supplier integration requires deep trust built over decades
- Continuous improvement (Kaizen) requires cultural transformation
Used in 2 chapters
See how this research informs the book's frameworks:
MIT study validating TPS superiority after 40 years, documenting Toyota's succession from post-WWII devastation to global leadership.
See manufacturing succession →Revealed Toyota's production methods to global business, showing operational excellence requires 40-year root system of relationships and culture.
See organizational root systems →