A Toyota insider and two supply chain experts reveal the top management secrets behind one of the most successful operations in the world.The Toyota Production System is the benchmark used throughout the world for "lean" thinking. Now you can model your own processes after those of the company that "wrote the book on supply chain management." Written by two experts on the subject, along with a former Toyota senior executive, this book details the most celebrated supply chain operation in the world to help you form an integrated, synchronized system that will be the envy of your industry. You will find key insight into the logic behind every point of Toyota's supply chain, along with both the tactics and strategies you can use to build an outstanding system of your own. Toyota Supply Chain Management explains how to achieve balance and efficiency by focusing on: Variety: Determine your variety of offerings based on operational efficiency and market demand Velocity: Maintain a steady flow through all processes of the supply chain Variability: Manage inconsistencies carefully to reduce cost and improve quality Visibility: Ensure the transparency of all processes to enable continuous learning and improvement The authors provide valuable insider tips and offer hands-on guidance for improvingproduction and operations in a variety of industries, including health care, insurance, banking, credit processing, and retailing. With careful attention paid to every aspect of the subject--from principles and theories to operations and best practices--Toyota Supply Chain Management is the most comprehensive, insightful guide to forging a world-class supply chain system.