Liquid Lean

From 20 years experience leading lean at Exxon as well as having led large scale breakthrough improvements in the tar sand to oil conversion process in beautiful Canada,Raymond Floyd clearly articulates many concepts and lessons learned. The book is structured following the Shingo Prize model evaluation criteria categories of:1) business results2) consistent lean enterprise culture3) continuous process improvement4) cultural enablersHis original thinking around material transformations (as opposed to assembly/filling) and the recognition of the "time independent" nature of many chemical/fermenation/ processes is refreshing and spot on. The many examples generously sprinkled throughout the book make reading it a practical exercise.The section on the inherent inflexibility of "Liquid Lean" processes caused by the chemical nature of the production transformation includes the brilliant example of the New York Subway System.The special importance of the role of Statistical Process Control (SPC) or Lean Six Sigma in improving Liquid Lean environments is also covered in simple, yet thorough detail.The unique people challenges in processes with many pipes and tanks, as well as the leadership challenge in such an environment is treated as the last, but not least valuable section.

It is a great book tying lean to continuous process industries. For those of us Lean Practitioners it makes our jobs a lot easier as we can communicate to our clients in terms we and they understand. There are some wonderful examples of applying lean. One down side is the book is in need of a good editor and I have had a red pen out since I started making changes to the writing.Gregg Messel

I found this a very useful summary of key lean concepts applied to a process industryThere are some significant differences compared to the traditional manufacturing scenariosThe author obviously has had many years of successful experience which I could relate with .A great resource to have in your bookcase and to share with othersVictor CauneOE/CI Manager Fonterra Echuca Aus

I have used the information in this book to help drive Lean at my site. Mr. Floyd does a great job of explaining how to use the Lean tools in the continuous process flow industry. This is an excellent book for managment to learn how to identify waste and improve processes by working smarter not harder.

Ray's book is insightful and thorough. He truly understands the industry, strategy and organization.

This book is a fantastic explanation of how to modify lean for the process industry.

Excellent! A must read for those who seek continual improvement in operational and maintenance efficiency.

As described.

Not many books take Lean into the world of chemical and production processes. Many great insights in a book written by someone who has learned by doing at the front line. I have already told over 20 people to read this book.