The Machine that Changed the World

by James P. Womack and Daniel T. Jones
The Machine that Changed the World cover
Good Books rating 4.08
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  • ID: 10914
  • Added: 2026-02-08
  • Updated: 2026-02-08
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Medium · 2026-02-08
informative 4.00

The book captures the history of mass production starting in America and Henry Ford's invention of the assembly line. It provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of manufacturing systems.

This review highlights the book's detailed account of the history of mass production, starting with Henry Ford's assembly line. The reviewer appreciates the thorough exploration of how manufacturing systems have evolved over time. They find the book to be a valuable resource for understanding the impact of lean production on the industry. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. Overall, they believe it is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and development of manufacturing.

Quick quotes

    The book does a fantastic job capturing the history of mass production starting in America and Henry Ford's invention of the assembly line.

    It provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of manufacturing systems.

    The book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.

Project Management · 2015-05-11
practical 4.50

The book is described as a guide for managers and leaders, offering insights into the changes reshaping the business world. It is praised for its readability and relevance to business leaders.

This review describes the book as a valuable guide for managers and leaders, providing insights into the changes reshaping the business world. The reviewer appreciates the book's readability and relevance to business leaders. They believe it offers practical advice and a deep understanding of lean production principles. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide audience. Overall, they find it to be an essential read for anyone looking to understand the impact of lean production on business practices.

Quick quotes

    It is a guide for managers and leaders.

    Business Week described it as the most readable book on the changes reshaping the business world.

    It offers practical advice and a deep understanding of lean production principles.

Lean Blog · 2013-12-17
insightful 3.75

The reviewer enjoyed the historical take and review but suggests it might not be the best first book on Lean. They appreciate the depth of the book's historical perspective.

This review highlights the historical perspective provided by the book, which the reviewer found engaging and insightful. They suggest that while the book is well-researched and provides a deep understanding of the history of lean production, it might not be the best starting point for someone new to the subject. The reviewer appreciates the book's comprehensive coverage of the evolution of manufacturing systems and the impact of lean production. They believe it is a valuable resource for those already familiar with the basics of lean principles. Overall, they find the book to be a fascinating read for those interested in the historical development of manufacturing.

Quick quotes

    As much as I enjoyed the historical take and review, I'm glad this was not the first Lean book I'd read.

    I believe I would have missed many of the nuances if this had been my first introduction to Lean.

    The book provides a deep understanding of the history of lean production.

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