Faster, Better, Cheaper in the History of Manufacturing : From the Stone Age to Lean Manufacturing and Beyond

The industrial revolution, mechanization, water and steam power, computers, and automation have given an enormous boost to manufacturing productivity. "Faster, Better, Cheaper" in the History of Manufacturing shows how the ability to make products faster, better, and cheaper has evolved from the stone age to modern times. It explains how different developments over time have raised efficiency and allowed the production of more and better products with less effort and materials, and hence faster, better, and cheaper. In addition, it describes the stories of inventors, entrepreneurs, and industrialists and looks at the intersection between technology, society, machines, materials, management, and – most of all – humans.

"Faster, Better, Cheaper" in the History of Manufacturing follows this development throughout the ages. This book covers not only the technical aspects (mechanization, power sources, new materials, interchangeable parts, electricity, automation), but organizational innovations (division of labor, Fordism, Talyorism, Lean). Most of all, it is a story of the people that invented, manufactured, and marketed the products.

The book shows how different developments over time raised efficiency and allowed production of more with less effort and materials, which brought us a large part of the wealth and prosperity we enjoy today. The stories of real inventors and industrialists are told, which includes not only their successes but also their problems and failures. The effect of good or bad management on manufacturing is a recurring theme in many chapters, as is the fight for intellectual property through thrilling tales of espionage. This is a story of successes and failures. It is not only about technology but also about social aspects. Ultimately, it is not a book about machines but about people!

• Covers the entire history, from the stone age to modern times and beyond.
• "Connects the dots" of the historic development to give a unique overarching view on why and where we are now.
• Includes insightful conclusions. For example, while technology gets better every year, our ability to work with other people has not changed much in the last 4000 years.
• In the past, the industrial revolution, computers, and automation have given an enormous boost on productivity. This book also gives predictions about possible future innovations that may further boost productivity.
• Also looks at the light side of history, including many anecdotes and entertaining bits of information, while overall telling a serious story.

Preface

Chapter 1 : The Significance of Manufacturing : The GM-Toyota NUMMI Joint Venture
Chapter 2 : The Stone Age
Chapter 3 : The Urban Revolution : The Emergence of Society
Chapter 4 : Advances During Antiquity
Chapter 5 : The Middle Ages in Europe
Chapter 6 : Early Modern Europe
Chapter 7 : Pioneers of a New Age : The Factory System
Chapter 8 : Fire is Stronger than Blood and Water : Steam Power
Chapter 9 : Interchangeable Parts : The American System of Manufacturing
Chapter 10 : Social Conflict
Chapter 11 : Technological Advances
Chapter 12 : Science Meets Shop Floor
Chapter 13 : The Assembly Line and the Era of the Industrial Empires
Chapter 14 : Planned Economies : War, Communism, and Other Catastrophes
Chapter 15 : *Click* Let-Me-Do-This-for-You *Clack* : Computers in Manufacturing
Chapter 16 : The Toyota Production System and Lean Manufacturing
Chapter 17 : Where are We Now?
Chapter 18 : Things to Come

Index