My Japanese trainers at Toyota could masterfully take a complex subject and explain it and teach it so wonderfully simple. It didn’t make it any easier, but it made it possible for me to now do. Ledbetter has done just that with The Toyota Template. He lays out the entire, and complex, Toyota Production System (TPS) in a basic and understandable manner that will make it possible for you to do also. His perspective and focus on “Just in Time” material availability and “Flow-Pull and Leveling” are missing components in many failed lean attempts. And his connection and integration to the “Respect for People” culture side of the Toyota Way makes this a “must read” for any “continuous learner” of Lean.

Mike Hoseus
Former Toyota Executive and Co-author of Shingo Award
Winning book, Toyota Culture.

Through his personal experiences, Phil clearly and succinctly explains how to implement a Lean strategy based on TPS principles and practices. It is essential for every company embarking on their Lean journey to understand that Lean is based on The Toyota Template and is not just a collection of tools. This is a must-read book for all lean practitioners and executives of Lean companies.

Nick Katko
BMA, Inc., Author The Lean CFO.

Drawing on his extensive experience, Phil Ledbetter shares his insights into the foundational principles of the Toyota Production System. This book will give you a deeper understanding of what has made Toyota successful and a practical application that you can use to develop your own transformation.

Jim Garrick
manager, Global Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
Southeast Regional Director — AME, Shingo Prize Examiner.

In The Toyota Template, Phil Ledbetter details his first-hand experiences and shares the knowledge of the creators of the Toyota Production System. From these, he forges a template that will work in any enterprise, any system, any process. The Toyota Template is Just-In-Time for the company starting, struggling, or seeking to achieve the results of the vaunted Toyota Production System.

Michael Lewis
Director of Operations, ThyssenKrupp Elevator
TMMK Team Member 1989-2001.