This book is dedicated to all those who did, do and will create products, and tools, to produce new products and new tools, contributing to the development of mankind. Within the “Homo Sapiens” species they belong to the “Homo Faber” group: the “makers”.
It is addressed to those who want to become managers or executives in Operations, as well as to professionals in Research & Development, Sales, or Finance & Administration who work hand in hand with their colleagues from Operations. A knowledge of Operations will help all of them to enable a smooth and successful running of an industrial company, creating value. It will also help those providing services to industrial companies, because these services most often support their customers’ Operations.
It illustrates the basic aspects of running Operations in an industrial company, the interactions and the information exchanged with other functions. It answers the questions: what is the supply chain? who are the key players? what are the possible industrial footprints and business models to adopt? which are the processes and functions involved? how to manage that all together?
This is complemented by the author’s first-hand experience in applying this knowledge in companies, and in coaching bachelor and masters students in a large number of hands-on projects. Do not expect a summary of academic publications and books, but a pragmatic how-to manual. A second book builds on this one, showing how to go beyond just managing Operations, by applying continuous improvement methods, in search of excellence.
"There is no substitute for knowledge." (E. Deming)
