John Shook

‘Learning to See’ is a good book, rather workbook, that shows you how to draw a current-state value stream mapping, then take it to the future-state map using lean concepts and techniques of continuous flow, pull, supermarkets, load-leveling, and FIFO. At the end it emphasizes the need to implement the future state map as a project that needs management support and involvement.

Although it uses practical examples, the reader needs to refer to other references to digest the concepts, calculations, and, more importantly, the integration of tools to realize the future state map. The main drawback of the book is that it focuses on applying lean to the manufacturing sector. I’d love to see a similar book that adopts service and continuous, rather than discrete, product industries.

I recommend this book for people new to lean as a start, but also advise reinforcing their understanding by additional references that give more depth in how to transfer a current state to a future leaner state.… (more)