This book presents a set of process improvement principles that can be applied by managers to improve the design and operation of their production systems encompassing both manufacturing and service systems.

A production system is comprised of one or more resources that are utilized to perform useful work. In a manufacturing setting the resources might include machines, tools, operators, and material handling devices. In a service system such as a health clinic the resources might include a waiting area, doctors and nurses, imaging equipment, and exam rooms. In either case the...