Non-Stock Production: The Shingo System of Continuous Improvement

Shigeo Shingo was an influential figure in the improvement of productivity and his methods became an integral part of the Japan Management Association and the Toyota Motor Corporation. He was an industrial engineer who founded the Institute of Management Improvement. He gained recognition for developing the following concepts: Just In Time (JIT) or the Toyota Production System, Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED), and Zero Quality Control where the principle of Poka-Yoke (mistake-proofing) was created. He graduated from Yamanashi Technical College with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked as a business consultant and lecturer on productivity improvements for various companies throughout the world. In 1970 he was awarded The Yellow Ribbon Medal for Contributions to streamlining operations in the shipbuilding industry. In 1988, in honor of Shigeo Shingo, Utah State University founded the Shingo Prize for excellence in manufacturing which highlights company achievements. Shigeo Shingo's techniques have had a positive impact on companies who want to achieve better results.