Evolved Technologist -

Imagine that you could hear the insights of more than 100 people with decades of experience about how to run a plant to meet the challenges of today's hypercompetitive, globalized world. In Pursuit of the Perfect Plant provides exactly that experience. The authors assembled more than 100 experts, whose ideas were distilled into a simple, easy to read story. Unlike most books on manufacturing, which are deep dives into arcane topics, this book provides an expansive view. People who have 30 or 40 years experience in manufacturing report that the book has increased their knowledge in surprising ways.

The book has proved especially popular with senior executives seeking to better understand the plants under their control and people early in their career who are preparing to move up the management ladder. The story shows the connections between business processes and technology in the all important areas of manufacturing, which leads to deeper understanding.

Part I examines the big picture including the payoff for improvement, the cast of characters and systems that run a plant, the pressures demanding positive change, and the requirements for a comprehensive vision of perfection.

Part II examines each of the plant's primary concerns, from traditional challenges like planning and asset management, to newer issues such as energy management and visibility. We study the history of each, investigating who is involved, how to keep score, and what information is needed to succeed.

Part III addresses the problems of change management. Having envisioned the perfect plant, how do you move toward it quickly and efficiently? What are the best methods and techniques to communicate your vision to the vast mix of people who run your plant.