TPS in an Auto Dealership Group
Jul 28, 2025 | Posted by Matt Elson
(as posted on the True North Thinking Inc. LinkedIn page, here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7355552624491814913)
#TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #leadershipdevelopment #peopledevelopment #PDCA #kaizen #quality #problemsolving
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We didn’t bring a silver bullet.
We didn’t design the system for them.
We just asked a question:
“Where are we losing time… and why?”
The answer led straight to the shop floor:
Technicians walking back and forth for parts — over and over again.
Together, we piloted two types of replenishment systems:
️ Type A – dedicated point-of-use part locations for “high runners” (cabin & engine air filters and oil filters)
️ Type B – parts for scheduled work orders (large, unique or “low runners”)
But the real success?
It wasn’t the layout.
It was watching them figure it out. Solve it. Improve it. Share it.
That’s TPS.
Not a tool. Not a template.
A way of thinking.
And it starts the moment someone says: “I think there’s a better way.”