Lean Manufacturing or TPS?  Who really cares?

Yes, I said it….who really cares if it is called Lean Manufacturing or TPS …and I believe it 100%.  The truth is that there are many consultants and “experts” out there that focus way too much time criticizing work going on around us because of terminology and not based on knowledge of that persons approach.  

Disclaimer…

So my background is in the Toyota Production System (TPS).  I have worked with, for, and been mentored by Toyota for over 20 years in one capacity or another.  All of my learning and approach is based on TPS and I credit them with everything that I do in my consulting practice.  The reality is that I refer to or call what I do “Lean” on a daily basis.  And I am ok with that and often refer to myself as a Lean leader and discuss Lean leadership.  So once again, I don’t care if you call it Lean Manufacturing or TPS…but I do care about your approach.

Let me repeat “I call what I do ‘lean Manufacturing’ on a daily basis. And I am ok with that.”