<DIV>A broad production paradigm which incorporates an array of manufacturing principles, such as Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory systems, teamwork, multi-tasking, employee involvement schemes and policies for ensuring product quality throughout the production process.<br> Now in its first English edition, "The Synchronic Production System" focuses on he Japanese concept of "kaizen," or "continuous improvement," to demonstrate how smaller, easily adopted improvements can increase performance and reduce production costs.<br> Hitoshi Takeda covers the six elements of Kaizen, flow processes, production, leveled schedules, minimizing inventory, reducing lot sizes, reducing lead times, quality and quantity management, standards, controls, maintenance and the "kanban" production control system. A number of Japanese expressions are introduced throughout this book; most are explained as they arise and a short glossary is included for reference purposes.</div>