Learning TPS from Dr. Shuhei Toyoda

In today’s world where there is a lot of information pollution, it is very difficult to reach sourced information. I pay attention to create content which source is known when I write about Toyota Production System(TPS). This time, our source is a highly competent person in TPS; from the family that creater of TPS, Dr. Shuhei Toyoda. I got chance to listen him directly. It was an incredible experience that I will always remember along my all job career.

Toyota Boshoku has more than 100 plants in the world and Dr. Shuhei Toyoda is the most authorized person of the company, chairman. 74 years old Toyoda san* allocated 1.5 hours for a project in Toyota Boshoku Turkey on 2nd Dec 2021. He himself offered suggestions about the project, although there were dozens of people who could do it instead. He gave us valuable information about TPS. We know that the main purpose of doing this is “Human Development” rather than classical KPIs* such as cost reduction, efficiency increase, quality improvement. This must be living proof of why Toyota group companies and TPS culture have been so successful over the years.

Although I cannot give details about the content due to the confidentiality of information sharing, I can say this. I translated a speech of Toyota Motor Corporation’s president, Akio Toyoda in June. In his speech, he stated that the main purpose of TPS is not increasing efficiency, making the operator’s work easier. Dr. Shuhei Toyoda also focused on improvements that would make the operator’s work easier while making suggestions. I realized that the main focus in TPS is actually very simple, wearing “How can I make the operator’s job easier?” glassess when making kaizens on the lines. After solving the problems that we find with these glasses, ergonomics will also improve, quality will also increase, cycle time of the product will also decrease, and the cost will also decrease. These are all points that will improve on their own.

Let this be the slogan of everyone who implements lean manufacturing on the manufacturing environment:

“The main purpose is to make the operator’s work easier.”

*san used for Mr/Mrs in Japanese

*KPI = Key Performance Indicator