The industrial revolution mechanization water and steam power computers and automation have given an enormous boost to manufacturing productivity. Faster Better Cheaper in the History of Manufacturing shows how the ability to make products faster better and cheaper has evolved from the stone age to modern times. It explains how different developments over time have raised efficiency and allowed the production of more and better products with less effort and materials and hence faster better and cheaper. In addition it describes the stories of inventors entrepreneurs and industrialists and looks at the intersection between technology society machines materials management and – most of all – humans. Faster Better Cheaper in the History of Manufacturing follows this development throughout the ages. This book covers not only the technical aspects (mechanization power sources new materials interchangeable parts electricity automation) but organizational innovations (division of labor Fordism Talyorism Lean). Most of all it is a story of the people that invented manufactured and marketed the products. The book shows how different developments over time raised efficiency and allowed production of more with less effort and materials which brought us a large part of the wealth and prosperity we enjoy today. The stories of real inventors and industrialists are told which includes not only their successes but also their problems and failures. The effect of good or bad management on manufacturing is a recurring theme in many chapters as is the fight for intellectual property through thrilling tales of espionage. This is a story of successes and failures. It is not only about technology but also about social aspects. Ultimately it is not a book about machines but about people! | Faster Better Cheaper in the History of Manufacturing From the Stone Age to Lean Manufacturing and Beyond