The best lean manufacturing books contain up-to-date information, are researched thoroughly by professionals, and provide you with the information that you need based upon your current level of education or experience in the field. There are some older books that contain a lot of good information, but generally speaking, it is best to choose books that have been written, or at least updated, within the past few years. Lean manufacturing books should be written by a professional working in business, or be recommended by those who are. Since there are a wide range of books available, they should be at the right level of knowledge for you; whether you are just beginning in lean manufacturing or have been studying it for some time.
If you are currently studying business in school, or have access to a nearby college, it is a good idea to talk to professors who are knowledgeable regarding lean manufacturing. You can explain what you are looking for and your motivations for doing so, and they will be able to provide you with good recommendations that can help narrow your search for lean manufacturing books. For individuals who are employed in a field that is utilizing lean manufacturing, it is helpful to ask colleagues or management to recommend books. This can give you a point at which to begin your search.
Once you have a list of possibilities, the next step in choosing lean manufacturing books is to find them, either online or at a bookstore, and browse through them. You should be able to understand most of what you read, or the books are likely too difficult for you to gain very much valuable information from them. It is also important to find out if they are focused on one particular lean manufacturing model or subject matter, depending on whether you want focused books or general information about the lean manufacturing process.
Newer books on lean manufacturing will generally have information regarding the most recent theoretical viewpoints in the business world. In most cases, this will be better because it takes into consideration earlier thoughts on the subject, but if you are interested in reading about lean manufacturing from certain perspectives you can choose an older book. For example, Henry Ford wrote a book about lean manufacturing in the 1920s that many people still find relevant to this day. It is important to choose a book that best meets your needs for learning when selecting lean manufacturing books.
