Description
Simon Fast Cycle Time by Christopher Meyer
Today tens of thousands of companies are struggling to become time-based competitors inspired by such corporations as Motorola General Electric Citicorp and a myriad of others who have cut production time in half or more. But until now the literature has focused on the theory and philosophy of fast cycle time rather than the tools and techniques for implementing it. Here for the first time Christopher Meyer an internationally recognized expert in cycle time reduction presents a step-by-step blueprint for transforming traditional companies into fast cycle competitors.Meyer argues that fast cycle time is achieved not by working faster but by aligning the organizations purpose strategy and structure. He demonstrates how the product development cycle must become a learning laboratory in which the four continuous elements Design Fabricate Assemble and Test are analyzed with the intent to improve strategy in the next business cycle. Analyzing strategy and core processes enables management to detect and correct problems earlier and leverage knowledge for improved innovation and increased value for customers.Employing an ongoing case study Core Products Inc. throughout the text Meyer shows how to redesign the organization for manufacturability and assembly how to implement multifunctional teams that work how to analyze and map critical cycle time interdependencies such as co-location and how to measure the impact of cycle time on business performance. Meyers practical approach provides a simple methodology for organizations to deliver products to customers rapidly accurately and reliably.Chris Meyer interrelates many pieces that we have all read about in different places into a coherent guide to making it happen. Ironically as Meyer shows implementing fast cycle time means almost the opposite of what most American managers are inclined to do.Many years of practical experience have shown Meyer and his colleagues the wisdom of a paradox that to speed up you often have to slow down.From the Foreword by Peter M. Sengeshow more