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The Machine That Changed the World

This landmark study contrasts mass production and lean production and shows why integrated systems outperform fragmented optimization.

Key takeaways

  1. Lean performance is systemic
  2. Quality and productivity can improve together
  3. Supplier and product development relationships matter

How to apply it in your business

  1. Benchmark quality and lead time together
  2. Review handoffs across engineering and production
  3. Include supplier performance in operational reviews

About the authors

The authors researched global automotive production systems through an MIT-led study.

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